triangle inequality

noun

: an inequality stating that the absolute value of a sum is less than or equal to the sum of the absolute values of the terms

Word History

Etymology

from its application to the distances between three points in a coordinate system

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triangle inequality was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near triangle inequality

Cite this Entry

“Triangle inequality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triangle%20inequality. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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