SKIP TO CONTENT

rhombus

/ˈrɑmbəs/
/ˈrɒmbəs/
IPA guide

Other forms: rhombuses; rhombi

A rhombus is a parallelogram with four equal sides and opposite equal angles. A rhombus can be a square, or if it has two acute angles and two obtuse angles, it takes the shape of a diamond.

The rhombus gets its name from the Greek rhómbos, which means "a spinning top." This word describes the shape of a "bullroarer," an object that was tied to a cord and spun around, making a great noise. It was used to taunt bulls into action during bull-fighting events. This rhombus-shaped object has been documented as being used for religious rites and games all over the ancient world. Nowadays, we prefer to study the rhombus in geometry.

Definitions of rhombus
  1. noun
    a parallelogram with four equal sides; an oblique-angled equilateral parallelogram
    synonyms: diamond, lozenge, rhomb
    see moresee less
    type of:
    parallelogram
    a quadrilateral whose opposite sides are both parallel and equal in length
Pronunciation
US
/ˈrɑmbəs/
UK
/ˈrɒmbəs/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘rhombus'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family