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

That includes the geometry of the scooter, things like stem angle, trailing distance, ergonomics, and the angle and curvature of the handlebars. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025

Her work references the geometry and techniques seen in Sufi art including the use of mirrors and geometric shapes. —Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Puig replaced the stock 19-inch front wheel with a 17-inch wheel that makes a world of a difference to the chassis geometry, making this R 1300 even more aggressive and maneuverable. —New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2024

One of those possible geometries might be the right shape of the shrunk dimensions to explain the properties of the Standard Model. —Tom Siegfried, JSTOR Daily, 19 Dec. 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