Birectangular

/ˌbaɪrɛkˈtæŋɡjələr/ adjective

Definition

Having two right angles; in geometry, describing a figure or surface with exactly two angles of 90 degrees.

Etymology

From Latin 'bi-' (two) and 'rectangular' (from Latin 'rectus' meaning straight/right and 'angulus' meaning angle). This mathematical term emerged in the 18th-19th centuries.

Kelly Says

Birectangular surfaces appear in spherical geometry on the surface of globes—a triangle drawn on Earth's surface can have two right angles, which is impossible on a flat plane! It's why Euclid's rules break down when you leave flat space.

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