Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Bevel: a math story

bevel \BEV-uhl\, adverb:
1. irresolutely.
noun:
1. the inclination that one line or surface makes with another when not at right angles.
2. a surface that does not form a right angle with adjacent surfaces.
3. (of a lock bolt) the oblique end that hits the strike plate.
4. (of a lock with a beveled bolt) the side facing in the same direction as the bevel at the end of the bolt.
5. bevel square.
6. an adjustable instrument for drawing angles or adjusting the surface of work to a particular inclination.
7. Printing. beard (def. 5).
verb:
1. to cut or slant at a bevel: to bevel an edge to prevent splintering.
adjective:
1. Also, beveled; especially British, bevelled. oblique; sloping; slanted.

This word is quite interesting for two reasons: 

1) Just LOOK at the number of definitions it has.
2) MORE MATH TERMS.

I think that the math people of this world need to let dictionary.com have its literature back, but that's just my personal opinion.  I suppose math has its words and definitions too.  However, since I pledged to define these words on an individual basis every day, here is how I would use this word in a sentence (from definition number 2): "Oh my, that acute triangle is a real bevel!  Math sucks I think it shouldn't be a learning requirement!"

But that's just me.

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