diameter in English
- diameter⇄diameter, noun.
1. a straight line passing from one side to the other through the center of a circle, sphere, cylinder, or other rounded form.
2. the length of such a line; measurement from one side to the other through the center of a figure
Diameter
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
British English: /daɪˈæm.ɪ.tər/
American English: /daɪˈæm.ə.t̬ɚ/
Definitions
- The length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and touching two points on its boundary.
- A line segment that passes through the center of a sphere and has its endpoints on the sphere’s surface.
Usage Examples
- "The diameter of the Earth is approximately 12,742 kilometers."
- "She measured the diameter of the circular table before buying a tablecloth."
- "A circle’s diameter is twice its radius."
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word "διάμετρος" (diametros), meaning "measure across." The term was later adopted into Latin as "diameter" and then into English.
Synonyms
- Span
- Width
- Thickness (in some contexts)
Antonyms
- Radius (as a related but distinct measurement)
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | Diamètre | /dja.mɛtʁ/ |
| Spanish | Diámetro | /djaˈmetɾo/ |
| German | Durchmesser | /ˈdʊʁçˌmɛsɐ/ |
| Hindi | व्यास (Vyaas) | /vjaːs/ |
| Russian | Диаметр (Diametr) | /dʲɪˈamʲɪtʲɪr/ |
| Chinese | 直径 (Zhíjìng) | /ʈʂɨ̌.tɕîŋ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
British English: /daɪˈæm.ɪ.tər/
American English: /daɪˈæm.ə.t̬ɚ/
Indian English: /daɪˈæm.ɪ.tər/
Historical Usage
The term "diameter" has been used in mathematical and scientific contexts for centuries. It played a crucial role in early Greek geometry, particularly in Euclidean theorems, and remains a fundamental concept in engineering and physics.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, the concept of a diameter is essential for construction, design, and measurement. It is also symbolically used to represent balance and symmetry in philosophical and artistic discussions.
More Information
The diameter is a key measurement in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and engineering. It helps in calculating the circumference and area of circles and is an important parameter in architecture, astronomy, and mechanical design.