trisect

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitiveformaltechnical

   To divide something into three parts, usually of equal size.

   Grammar: Takes a direct object: trisect the line. The three parts are often equal, but not always.

   Patterns

   • trisect something
   • trisect something into three parts

   The teacher asked us to trisect the line segment using only a compass and straightedge.

   They trisected the field into three equal plots for the experiment.

   The angle was trisected by drawing two rays from the vertex.

2. 2verbtransitivemathematicstechnical

   In geometry, to divide an angle into three equal angles.

   Grammar: Used especially in the classical problem of trisecting an angle with compass and straightedge alone, which is impossible in general.

   Patterns

   • trisect an angle

   It is impossible to trisect an arbitrary angle using only a compass and straightedge.

   Mathematicians proved that trisecting a general angle cannot be done with those tools.

   He attempted to trisect the angle but soon realized the limitation.

Word forms

Common combinations

trisect an angle

The ancient Greeks tried to trisect an angle with only a compass and straightedge.

trisect a line segment

You can easily trisect a line segment using a ruler.

trisect something into three equal parts

The cake was trisected into three equal parts for the children.

Synonyms and how they differ

divide

A general word for splitting into any number of parts; 'trisect' is more specific and implies exactly three parts.

split

Often informal and can mean two or more parts; 'trisect' is formal and precise about three equal parts.

Word family

trisection noun

The act or result of dividing into three parts, especially in geometry.

Commonly confused: trisect or bisect?

Practice

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