What does decahedron mean?
A decahedron is a three-dimensional polyhedron with ten plane faces. Its name combines the Greek element deka, meaning “ten,” with hedron, a term associated with a face or base of a solid. In mathematics, a decahedron belongs to the wider family of polyhedra and is defined primarily by the number and arrangement of its faces; it should not be confused with a decagon, which is a flat ten-sided polygon. The word also has specialized uses in chemistry, crystallography, mineralogy, and the description of molecular geometries, where decahedral forms describe arrangements involving ten surrounding positions or faces. In general writing, “decahedron” is uncommon, but it is useful when exact geometric terminology is needed. The related adjective decahedral describes something shaped as or characterized by ten faces, and the usual plural is decahedra.
nounA three-dimensional polyhedron with ten plane faces. The term is used especially in geometry and in the names of molecular and mineral structures.
- A polyhedron having ten plane faces.
"The structure was modeled as a decahedron, with each of its ten faces forming part of the crystal lattice."
"The glass sculpture was designed as a decahedron and displayed in a brightly lit gallery."
"In crystallography, the molecule can adopt a decahedral arrangement around the central atom."
The standard plural is decahedra. The form decahedrons is also encountered but is less preferred.
"Several decahedra were displayed alongside cubes and octahedra."
Its name is a geometric decoder ring: “deca” means ten, and “hedron” refers to a face, so a decahedron is simply a ten-faced solid.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does decahedron come from?
Decahedron was formed from the Greek deka, “ten,” and the geometric combining form -hedron, derived from Greek hedra, “seat” or “base,” and ultimately meaning a face of a solid. The element deka is related to a wider family of forms expressing ten, including decade, decagon, decimal, and December. The compound entered English as a technical geometric term in the tradition of naming polyhedra by the number of their faces.
Related word forms
How decahedron is actually used
This is a specialized mathematical and scientific term, normally used with precision. The standard plural is decahedra; decahedrons is also encountered but is less preferred.
Easily confused with decahedron
A decahedron is a three-dimensional solid with ten faces, whereas a decagon is a two-dimensional polygon with ten sides.