Meaning & Definition of word "Spherical"
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.