DictionaryinscribeDrawing within a figure
verb

inscribe

To draw a geometric figure inside another so that it touches the outer figure's boundary.

We inscribe a square in a circle, placing each vertex on the circumference.

Etymology

Latin inscribere means to write or mark in. Geometry applies that action to drawing a figure within another so that its boundary meets the enclosing figure.

More examples

  • She inscribes a circle in the triangle, tangent to all three sides.
  • The hexagon inscribed in the circle has six vertices on the circumference.
  • Using a compass and ruler, I inscribed an equilateral triangle in a circle.

Forms

inscribe · inscribes · inscribed · inscribing

Similar words

draw
Does not require contact with an outer figure's boundary.
construct
Emphasizes geometric methods rather than contact with an enclosing boundary.