Meaning & Definition of word "Spherical"
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Spherical
/ˈsfɛr.ɪ.kəl/
adjective:
- 1. Having the shape or characteristics of a sphere; round.
- Example: The earth is not a perfect sphere, but it is approximately spherical in shape.
- 2. Relating to the geometry of a sphere.
- Example: Spherical coordinates are used in three-dimensional space to represent points based on distance and angles.
- 3. Pertaining to or resembling a sphere.
- Example: The planets in our solar system follow approximately spherical orbits around the sun.
Etymology
From Middle English 'sphericall', from Latin 'sphaericus', from Greek 'sphairikos' from 'sphaira' meaning sphere.
Common Phrases and Expressions
spherical coordinates:
A coordinate system for representing points in three-dimensional space.
spherical harmonics:
Functions that arise in the solution to problems involving the Laplace equation in spherical coordinates.
Related Words
sphere:
A perfectly round three-dimensional object.
spheroid:
An object shaped like a sphere but slightly flattened.
sphericity:
The quality of being spherical.