Definition:Triangle (Geometry)/Right-Angled/Hypotenuse

Definition

 * RightTriangle.png

In a right-angled triangle, the opposite side to the right angle is known as the hypotenuse.

In the above figure, the side labeled $b$ is the hypotenuse.

Linguistic Note
The word hypotenuse derives from the Ancient Greek ὑποτείνουσα (hypoteínousa), which means sustaining.

This is the active participle of ὑποτείνω (hypoteínō), which means to subtend or to stretch under.

The word has no applications apart from this specific definition in mathematics.