dihedral: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Advanced/Proficiency)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dihedral” mean?
An angle formed by two intersecting planes, especially in aircraft wings or geometric solids.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An angle formed by two intersecting planes, especially in aircraft wings or geometric solids.
In geology, a V-shaped valley or depression. In chemistry, the angle between two bonds on the same atom. In mathematics, a polyhedron with two faces. In engineering, the upward or downward angle of an aircraft's wingtips relative to the horizontal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Equally technical in both variants. In aviation contexts, understood internationally by pilots and engineers.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse; frequency spikes in technical publications, engineering, and crystallography.
Grammar
How to Use “dihedral” in a Sentence
The [noun] has a [adjective] dihedral.A dihedral of [number] degrees is optimal for stability.The [noun] forms a dihedral with the [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dihedral” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The glider's pronounced dihedral contributed to its gentle handling characteristics.
- The crystallographer measured the dihedral between the crystal faces.
American English
- The engineer specified a five-degree dihedral for the new wing design.
- In this rock formation, you can clearly see the dihedral where the strata meet.
adjective
British English
- The model aircraft has dihedral wings for better stability.
- They studied the molecule's dihedral angles using computational software.
American English
- A dihedral configuration is standard on most training aircraft.
- The dihedral symmetry of the object was noted in the analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in mathematics, engineering, chemistry, geology, and physics papers. Essential for describing molecular geometry, crystal structures, or aircraft design.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by enthusiasts (e.g., model aircraft builders, rock climbers describing a dihedral crack).
Technical
The primary domain. Precise measurement and specification are critical.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dihedral”
- Mispronouncing as /dɪˈhɛdrəl/ (like 'dih-hedral').
- Using it as a synonym for any angle, not specifically between planes.
- Confusing 'dihedral' (angle between wings and horizontal) with 'anhedral' (downward angle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a technical term specific to fields like geometry, aviation, chemistry, and geology. You will not hear it in everyday conversation.
Dihedral refers to wings angled upward from the root to the tip (V-shape), increasing stability. Anhedral is the opposite: wings angled downward from root to tip (inverted V), which decreases stability but can increase maneuverability, often used on fighter jets.
No, it is exclusively a noun or adjective. The process is described as 'adding dihedral' or 'dihedraling' (very rare technical jargon).
It is the symmetry group of a regular polygon, encompassing both rotations and reflections. The name originates from the geometry of a dihedron (a polyhedron with two faces), though the connection is somewhat historical.
An angle formed by two intersecting planes, especially in aircraft wings or geometric solids.
Dihedral is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dihedral: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈhiːdr(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈhiːdrəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DIE (two) being cut by a HEDRON (a face/surface in geometry) – it's the angle where TWO surfaces meet.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ANGLE IS A WEDGE / THE ANGLE IS STABILITY (in aviation, positive dihedral increases lateral stability).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'dihedral' be LEAST appropriate?