Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hypotenuse

noun

/haɪˈpɒt.ən.juːs/

Definition

The longest side of a right-angled triangle, opposite the right angle.

Examples

The hypotenuse of a triangle can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem.
In a right triangle with legs of 3 and 4, the hypotenuse measures 5 units long.
To find the distance between two points in a coordinate plane, you can form a right triangle and find its hypotenuse.

Meaning

In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is the side that is not involved in forming the right angle. It is always longer than either of the other two sides.