Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics that is concerned with calculating the angles of triangles or the lengths of their sides.
trigonometry in British English
(ˌtrɪɡəˈnɒmɪtrɪ)
noun
the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of trigonometric functions and their application to the determination of the angles and sides of triangles. Used in surveying, navigation, etc
Abbreviation: trig
Derived forms
trigonometric (ˌtrɪɡənəˈmɛtrɪk) or trigonometrical (ˌtrigonoˈmetrical)
adjective
trigonometrically (ˌtrigonoˈmetrically)
adverb
Word origin
C17: from New Latin trigōnometria from Greek trigōnon triangle
trigonometry in American English
(ˌtrɪgəˈnɑmətri)
nounWord forms: pluralˌtrigoˈnometries
the branch of mathematics that deals with the ratios between the sides of a right triangle with reference to either acute angle (trigonometric functions), the relations between these ratios, and the application of these facts in finding the unknown sides or angles of any triangle, as in surveying, navigation, engineering, etc.
Derived forms
trigonometric (ˌtrigonoˈmetric) (ˌtrɪgənəˈmɛtrɪk)
adjective or ˌtrigonoˈmetrical
trigonometrically (ˌtrigonoˈmetrically)
adverb
Word origin
ModL trigonometria < Gr trigōnon, triangle (see trigon) + -metria, measurement (see -metry)