trapezium

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a quadrilateral with no parallel sides
  2. noun a multiple star in the constellation of Orion
  3. noun the wrist bone on the thumb side of the hand that articulates with the 1st and 2nd metacarpals

Etymology

Recorded since 1570, learned borrowing from Late Latin trapezium, from Ancient Greek τραπέζιον (trapézion, “irregular quadrilateral”, literally “a little table”), diminutive of τράπεζα (trápeza, “table”). Doublet of trapeze.

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