frustum

[ fruhs-tuhm ]

noun

, Geometry.

, plural frus·tums, frus·ta [fruhs, -t, uh].

1. the part of a conical solid left after cutting off a top portion with a plane parallel to the base.
2. the part of a solid, as a cone or pyramid, between two usually parallel cutting planes.

frustum

/ ˈfrʌstəm /

noun

1. geometry
   1. the part of a solid, such as a cone or pyramid, contained between the base and a plane parallel to the base that intersects the solid
   2. the part of such a solid contained between two parallel planes intersecting the solid
2. architect a single drum of a column or a single stone used to construct a pier

Word History and Origins

Origin of frustum¹

1650–60; < Latin: piece, bit; probably akin to Old Irish brúid (he) breaks, Old English brȳsan to crush

Word History and Origins

Origin of frustum¹

C17: from Latin: piece; probably related to Old English brӯsan to crush, bruise

Example Sentences

When they had reached the frustum's base, Urim descended and, in turn, presented various members of his retinue.

From Project Gutenberg

The others amused themselves all around me; I found my delight in the frustum of a pyramid.

From Project Gutenberg

The form of the stand is the frustum of a hexagonal pyramid reversed, about six or eight inches in diameter.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course, when I was taught how to measure a cone, I was also instructed to do the same with the frustum of one.

From Project Gutenberg

At ferrum, quod pluit in Taurinis, cuius frustum apud nos extat, qua ex fodina sustulit nubes?

From Project Gutenberg