Definition:Polygon/Multi-lateral

Definition
A multi-lateral polygon is a term to define a polygon with more than four sides.



This definition is somewhat arbitrary and is rarely used, as its applications are limited.

Examples
There are specific names for polygons with specific numbers of sides, as follows:


 * $5$ sides: Pentagon
 * $6$ sides: Hexagon
 * $7$ sides: Heptagon
 * $8$ sides: Octagon
 * $9$ sides: Nonagon or Enneagon
 * $10$ sides: Decagon
 * $11$ sides: Hendecagon or Undecagon
 * $12$ sides: Dodecagon


 * $17$ sides: Heptadecagon

The list goes on, but learning the names of them all is something which, mercifully, is rarely inflicted upon children nowadays.

Instead, the term $n$-gon is usually used nowadays to specify a polygon with a specific number, that is $n$, sides.

The specific name is usually invoked only in order to draw attention to the fact that such a polygon has a particularly interesting set of properties.

Also see

 * Definition:Triangle
 * Definition:Quadrilateral


 * Definition:Regular Polygon