rhombohedron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHighly Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “rhombohedron” mean?
A three-dimensional geometric figure with six faces, each of which is a rhombus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A three-dimensional geometric figure with six faces, each of which is a rhombus.
In crystallography and materials science, a crystal form whose faces are rhombi; a parallelepiped with equal edge lengths but oblique angles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation of the final vowel may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, confined to scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “rhombohedron” in a Sentence
The [material/substance] crystallizes as a rhombohedron.A [material] rhombohedron was observed under the microscope.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rhombohedron” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sample showed a rhombohedral cleavage.
American English
- Calcite has a rhombohedral crystal structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geometry, crystallography, geology, and materials science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Describes specific crystal habits (e.g., of calcite) or geometric solids.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rhombohedron”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rhombohedron”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rhombohedron”
- Misspelling as 'rhomboidhedron' or 'rhombihedron'. Mispronouncing the 'oe' diphthong.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a cube is a special case of a rhombohedron where all interaxial angles are 90 degrees.
Primarily in advanced geometry, crystallography, mineralogy, or materials science textbooks and research papers.
All rhombohedra are parallelepipeds (a 3D figure formed by six parallelograms), but a rhombohedron is a specific type where all edges are of equal length.
Yes, crystals of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate) very commonly form as rhombohedra.
A three-dimensional geometric figure with six faces, each of which is a rhombus.
Rhombohedron is usually highly technical / scientific in register.
Rhombohedron: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɒm.bəʊˈhiː.drən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɑːm.boʊˈhiː.drən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"RHOMBO-HEDRON": Think of 'RHOMBUS' (a slanted square) and 'HEDRON' (like a polyhedron, a 3D shape). It's a 3D shape made of rhombus faces.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common usage.
Practice
Quiz
A rhombohedron is a solid figure bounded by how many congruent rhombic faces?