geometry

noun

ge·​om·​e·​try jē-ˈä-mə-trē 

plural geometries

1

a

: a branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement, properties, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids

broadly : the study of properties of given elements that remain invariant under specified transformations

b

: a particular type or system of geometry

Euclidean geometry

2

a

: configuration

… the [bicycle] frame's geometry can be adjusted via a two-position lower shock mount which slackens the angles by another half a degree.

—Liam Mercer

b

: surface shape

the geometry of the landscape

The shape of the earbud is tailored to the geometry of your ear.

—Noah Robischon

The Ken Onion also allows you to choose the type of blade geometry for whatever implement you're sharpening …

—Ariel Kanter

Every object naturally resonates when hit by electromagnetic waves of particular frequencies, which are determined by the object's geometry and material properties.

—Ada Poon

3

: an arrangement of objects or parts that suggests geometric figures

the geometry of neoclassical architecture

Synonyms

• cast
• configuration
• conformation
• fashion
• figure
• form
• shape

Examples of geometry in a Sentence

the geometry of Sydney's famed opera house is suggestive of some modernistic sailing ship

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2023, a Mississippi school district facing dire teacher shortages reported that students were learning geometry, Spanish, and high school science via a software program. —Allison Pugh, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024

Lean into geometry Photo: Guillaume de Laubier Take inspiration from your locale. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024

Some consciousness researchers believe that on high doses of DMT, perception takes on this kind of curvy geometry. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

For the Rough Runner, Litchfield says the geometries are spot-on to all the research to fit a proper running gait, from heel strike angle to flexibility. —Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English geometrie, from Anglo-French, from Latin geometria, from Greek geōmetria, from geōmetrein to measure the earth, from geō- ge- + metron measure — more at measure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing geometry

• algebraic geometry
• analytic geometry
• coordinate geometry
• differential geometry
• euclidean geometry
• plane geometry
• projective geometry
• Riemannian geometry
• solid geometry
• spherical geometry
• synthetic geometry

Kids Definition

geometry

noun

ge·​om·​e·​try jē-ˈäm-ə-trē 

plural geometries

1

: a branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids

2

: shape entry 2

the geometry of a crystal