Conical

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒnɪk(ə)l/ (British English), /ˈkɑːnɪk(ə)l/ (American English)

Definitions

1. Having the shape of a cone.
2. Relating to or resembling a cone in form.

Usage Examples

• "The tent had a conical roof that helped in water drainage."
• "The spacecraft featured a conical nose for better aerodynamics."
• "The mountain had a perfect conical shape, resembling a volcano."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin conicus ("of a cone"), from Greek kōnikos, meaning "cone-shaped."

Synonyms

• Conoid
• Tapered
• Pyramidal

Antonyms

• Cylindrical
• Rectangular
• Flat

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

British English typically pronounces the second syllable more distinctly, whereas American English often reduces it to a schwa sound.

Historical Usage

The term "conical" has been used in geometry, architecture, and military engineering since at least the 17th century.

Cultural Nuances

Conical shapes appear in traditional architecture, including pagodas in East Asia and tipis used by Native American tribes.

More Information

Conical shapes are widely used in engineering, aerodynamics, and design, particularly in structures like rocket noses and cooling towers.