dodecagon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “dodecagon” mean?
A polygon with twelve sides and twelve angles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A polygon with twelve sides and twelve angles.
Any shape or structure featuring twelve straight sides, often used in geometry, design, and architecture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond the technical geometric meaning.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to mathematical/technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dodecagon” in a Sentence
The [adjective] dodecagon...A dodecagon has [number] sides.To calculate the [property] of the dodecagon...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dodecagon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dodecagonal floor tile was a complex design.
American English
- The dodecagonal layout of the plaza was innovative.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geometry, mathematics, and technical design courses.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only in specific discussions about shapes.
Technical
Standard term in geometry, architecture, and engineering for a specific polygon.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dodecagon”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈdɒdɪkəɡɒn/.
- Confusing it with a decagon (10 sides).
- Misspelling as 'dodecagon' (missing 'e').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A dodecagon is a 2D shape with twelve sides. A dodecahedron is a 3D solid with twelve flat faces.
Not particularly. While some minerals and cellular structures can approximate it, the perfect regular dodecagon is largely a mathematical and human-designed construct.
For a regular dodecagon with side length 'a', a common formula is Area = 3 * (2 + √3) * a².
A regular dodecagon by itself cannot tile a plane without gaps. However, it can be combined with other shapes (like squares or hexagons) in semi-regular tessellations.
A polygon with twelve sides and twelve angles.
Dodecagon is usually formal, technical in register.
Dodecagon: in British English it is pronounced /dəʊˈdɛkəɡ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /doʊˈdɛkəˌɡɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'DOzen' + 'DECAde' = 12 (dozen) and 10 (deca). A dodecagon has 12 sides, like a dozen sides.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS GEOMETRY (when used descriptively).
Practice
Quiz
What is the sum of the interior angles of a dodecagon?