How Do You Spell OCTAHEDRAL?

1. Octahedral is an adjective that describes a geometric shape consisting of eight plane faces, typically equilateral triangles, that intersect at six vertices. The term octahedral derives from the Greek words "octa," meaning eight, and "hedron," meaning surface or base. It is commonly used in the fields of geometry, crystallography, and chemistry to describe structures or shapes that resemble or exhibit octahedra.

   In geometry, an octahedron is one of the five platonic solids, which are three-dimensional shapes with equal faces and vertices. The octahedron has eight triangular faces and is symmetrical, meaning that it possesses multiple axes of rotational symmetry.

   In crystallography, octahedral refers to the arrangement of atoms or ions in a crystal lattice. Octahedral coordination occurs when six neighboring atoms or ions surround a central atom or ion, forming an octahedral shape. This coordination type is commonly observed in transition metal complexes, where a metal ion is coordinated with six ligands. The octahedral shape provides stability and is an important structural motif in these compounds.

   In chemistry, the term octahedral is used to describe molecules or compounds that exhibit an octahedral geometry. This geometry can arise when there are six bonding pairs or electron groups around a central atom, resulting in a three-dimensional shape resembling two pyramids placed base to base. The arrangement of these pairs or groups in an octahedral molecule gives rise to distinct chemical and physical properties.

2. Having eight equal sides.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OCTAHEDRAL

The word "octahedral" has its etymology rooted in two Latin terms: "octo", meaning "eight", and "hedra", meaning "face" or "sided figure".

The term "octahedral" specifically refers to a geometric shape or structure with eight faces. In a more general sense, it can describe any object or crystal structure that has eight faces, such as an octahedron.

The Latin term "octo" comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*oḱtōw", which means "eight". This root has its cognates in various other Indo-European languages, such as the Greek "oktṓ", the Sanskrit "aṣṭáu", and the Old English "eahta".