scalene

American  

[skey-leen] / skeɪˈlin /

adjective

1. Geometry.

   1. (of a cone or the like) having the axis inclined to the base.

   2. (of a triangle) having three unequal sides.

2. Anatomy. of or relating to a scalenus muscle.

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scalene British  

/ ˈskeɪliːn /

adjective

1. maths (of a triangle) having all sides of unequal length

2. anatomy of or relating to any of the scalenus muscles

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scalene Scientific  

/ skā′lēn′ /

1. Having three unequal sides, as a triangle that is neither equilateral nor isosceles.

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Etymology

Origin of scalene

1635–45; < Late Latin scalēnus < Greek skalēnós unequal

Explanation

In geometry, a scalene triangle has three sides that are all different lengths. In addition to scalene triangles, there are isosceles, which have two equal sides, and equilateral triangles, which have three equal sides. When it comes to the word scalene, it's pretty important who's using it, and in what context. If your math teacher mentions scalene triangles, you know she's talking about shapes with three unequal sides and three unequal angles. But if a doctor or massage therapist uses the word, she is probably referring to the scalene muscles of the neck, three pairs that differ in length. The Greek root is skalenos, "uneven or unequal."

Example Sentences

He explained on Friday that the procedure involved removing his first rib on his left side, the scalene muscle in his neck and “clipped the pec.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2022

You could try an isosceles, scalene or equilateral triangle offense.

From New York Times • Dec. 17, 2014

Finally, the scalene muscles work together to flex, laterally flex, and rotate the head.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Finally, the scalenes include the anterior scalene, middle scalene, and posterior scalene.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Q. Are there any other kind of scalene triangles?

From The Infant System For Developing the Intellectual and Moral Powers of all Children, from One to Seven years of Age by Wilderspin, Samuel