Constructible

/kənˈstrʌktəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be constructed, built, or made using available materials or methods; possible to assemble or create.

Etymology

From Latin construere (to build together: com- meaning together + struere meaning to pile up) + -ible (able to be). Used since the 1600s, particularly in mathematics to describe geometric figures that can be drawn with compass and straightedge.

Kelly Says

In geometry, 'constructible numbers' are a surprisingly exclusive club—you can construct some numbers with just a compass and straightedge, but not others (like trisecting any angle), which ancient mathematicians struggled with for centuries before proving it impossible.

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