noun
hypotenuse
heye-PO-tuhn-yooz
noun
1
The longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle.
"The Pythagorean theorem lets you calculate the hypotenuse from the other two sides."
How to Use Hypotenuse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a right triangle, the slanted side across from the 90-degree angle.
Common pairings
length of the hypotenuse
calculate the hypotenuse
Word Forms
hypotenuses plural
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The Pythagorean theorem lets you calculate the _____ from the other two sides.
Etymology
From Greek hypoteinousa ("stretching under, subtending"), describing the side that stretches opposite the right angle.