dodecahedron

noun

do·​deca·​he·​dron (ˌ)dō-ˌde-kə-ˈhē-drən How to pronounce dodecahedron (audio)
plural dodecahedrons or dodecahedra (ˌ)dō-ˌde-kə-ˈhē-drə How to pronounce dodecahedron (audio)
: a solid having 12 plane faces
dodecahedral
(ˌ)dō-ˌde-kə-ˈhē-drəl How to pronounce dodecahedron (audio)
adjective

Examples of dodecahedron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The design is based on an axisymmetric dodecahedron net that is folded by an external assembly linkage. — Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 20 July 2018 The dodecahedron was sitting among the ruins of a Roman pit and was likely placed there about 1,700 years ago. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek dōdekaedron, from dōdeka- + -edron -hedron

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dodecahedron was circa 1570

Rhymes for dodecahedron

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Browse Nearby Words

dodecahedral cleavage
dodecahedron
dodecahydrate
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Cite this Entry

“Dodecahedron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dodecahedron. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

dodecahedron

noun
do·​deca·​he·​dron (ˌ)dō-ˌdek-ə-ˈhē-drən How to pronounce dodecahedron (audio)
plural dodecahedrons or dodecahedra -drə How to pronounce dodecahedron (audio)
: a polyhedron that has 12 faces

More from Merriam-Webster on dodecahedron

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dodecahedron

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