triangulate

[ adjective trahy-ang-gyuh-lit, -leyt; verb trahy-ang-gyuh-leyt ]

adjective

1. composed of or marked with triangles.

verb (used with object)

, tri·an·gu·lat·ed, tri·an·gu·lat·ing.

1. to make triangular.
2. to divide into triangles.
3. to survey (an area) by triangulation.

triangulate

verb

1. 1. to survey by the method of triangulation
   2. to calculate trigonometrically
2. to divide into triangles
3. to make triangular

adjective

1. marked with or composed of triangles

Derived Forms

• triˈangulately, adverb

Other Words From

• tri·angu·lator noun
• subtri·angu·late adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of triangulate¹

1600–10; < Medieval Latin triangulātus, past participle of triangulāre to make triangles. See triangle, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

And I never truly expected her to racially triangulate herself on our podcast.

From Los Angeles Times

Before I move on, you need to understand that GPS works only within 10 feet of your actual position, which is pretty amazing for triangulating satellites that are thousands of miles away.

From Los Angeles Times

Clinton drove some of his own fans crazy, but he was a genius at the political art of triangulating.

From Seattle Times

It was a location that influenced his ability to triangulate the needs of different groups and to resolve difficult problems, according to friends and family.

From Seattle Times

This sparse data was used to triangulate the distance between the plane and the satellite at each hour along a series of circular arcs, giving an approximate crash location.

From BBC