trigonal

[ trig-uh-nl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or shaped like a triangle; having three angles; triangular.
2. Crystallography. having threefold symmetry.

trigonal

/ ˈtrɪɡənəl /

adjective

1. another word for triangular
2. Alsorhombohedral relating or belonging to the crystal system characterized by three equal axes that are equally inclined and not perpendicular to each other

trigonal

/ trī-gō′nəl /

1. Relating to a crystal having three axes of equal length intersecting at oblique angles. This crystal system is considered a subset of the hexagonal system. The mineral quartz has trigonal crystals.
2. Also called rhombohedral
3. See illustration at crystal

Other Words From

• trigo·nal·ly adverb
• sub·trigo·nal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trigonal¹

First recorded in 1560–70; trigon + -al ¹

Example Sentences

They believed the reason trigonal chloride electrolytes can achieve low ionic conductivity is based on the variation of metal ion arrangements within the structure.

From Science Daily

Tiny quartz crystals, for instance, increase in volume as they undergo a transition from a trigonal to hexagonal shape.

From National Geographic

Bill short, strong, conic, base trigonal, sides compressed, culmin elevated, upper mandible towards the tip deflexed and notched, under mandible shorter and straight, the base thick, the margins of both inflexed.

From Project Gutenberg

Anterior wings trigonal, the hinder dentated, generally tailed, with an obtuse concave lobe at their anal angle, which is generally in motion when the insect is at rest.

From Project Gutenberg

Bill short, very straight, base trigonal, beyond attenuated to a very fine point; upper mandible above rounded, both entire.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• trilateral