In geometry, either of the two sides of a right triangle that form the right angle (singular of catheti).
From Latin cathetus, from Greek kathetos meaning 'perpendicular, let down.' The term was used in classical geometry to describe the perpendicular sides of a right triangle.
The Pythagorean theorem describes the relationship between the two catheti and the hypotenuse—it's one of the most famous equations because it works for EVERY right triangle ever created!
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