rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhypotenuseSide opposite the right angle
noun

hypotenuse

high-PAH-tuh-noos/haɪˈpɑːtənuːs/

The side opposite the right angle in a right triangle.

The hypotenuse is always the longest side of a right triangle.

A single right-triangular wooden frame with its right-angle vertex at the top and its opposite, longest side stretching horizontally beneath it, highlighted in muted blue.
Etymology
hypoGreekunder
+tenuseGreekto stretch

The name pictures the side as “stretching under” the right angle. That geometric image identifies the side opposite the right angle.

In context

chycho90:03
the hypotenuse is always across from the 90 degrees right
Drop in Math Tutoring Session #4 Held on October 5, 2019: Timestamps in Description [ASMR]

More examples

  • We use the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse.
  • The hypotenuse measures five inches when the legs measure three and four inches.
  • These right triangles have equal hypotenuses but different angles.

Forms

hypotenuse · hypotenuses