isogon
C2Technical / Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A polygon with equal angles.
In navigation and meteorology, a line on a map connecting points of equal magnetic declination or wind direction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in mathematics (geometry) and specific technical fields like cartography or meteorology. The geometric meaning is most common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is technical and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, confined to specialized academic or professional texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [SHAPE] is an isogon.An isogon with [NUMBER] sides.The map shows isogons of [PHENOMENON].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geometry, trigonometry, and earth science courses or papers.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered.
Technical
Used in mathematics, cartography (for isogonic lines), and meteorology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- A square is a simple example of an isogon.
- The navigational chart was marked with isogons for magnetic variation.
American English
- The math problem involved proving a shape was an isogon.
- Meteorologists analyze wind isogons on upper-air charts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A rectangle is an isogon because all its angles are equal.
- Isogons are a specific type of polygon.
- The geometer dedicated her research to the properties of complex isogons.
- The cartographer carefully drew the isogons to indicate lines of constant magnetic declination across the region.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"ISO" means equal (like in isosceles) and "GON" means angle (like in polygon). So, ISOGON = equal angles.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "изогнутый" (curved). The root "изо-" in Russian can relate to 'equal' (изометрия) or 'curved' (изогнутый). Focus on the 'equal angles' meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'isogram' (a line on a map connecting points of equal value).
- Using it to describe equal sides (that is an equilateral polygon).
- Misspelling as 'isogone' or 'isagonal'.
Practice
Quiz
In which field might you encounter the term 'isogon' referring to a line on a map?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A regular polygon has equal sides *and* equal angles, so it is always an isogon.
An isogon has equal angles. An equilateral polygon has equal sides. A shape can be one without being the other (e.g., a rectangle is isogonal but not equilateral; a rhombus is equilateral but not isogonal).
No. Only an equiangular triangle (which is also equilateral) is an isogon. A scalene or isosceles triangle with unequal angles is not an isogon.
From Greek 'ísos' meaning 'equal' and 'gōnía' meaning 'angle' or 'corner'.