Definition:Euclid's Definitions - Book IV

These definitions appear at the start of Book IV of by Euclid.


 * 1) A rectilineal figure is said to be inscribed in a rectilineal figure when the respective angles of the inscribed figure lie on the respective sides of that in which it is inscribed.
 * 2) Similarly a figure is said to be circumscribed about a figure when the respective sides of the circumscribed figure pass through the respective angles of that about which it is circumscribed.
 * 3) A rectilineal figure is said to be inscribed in a circle when each angle of the inscribed figure lies on the circumference of the circle.
 * 4) A rectilineal figure is said to be circumscribed about a circle when each side of the circumscribed figure touches the circumference of the circle.
 * 5) Similarly a circle is said to be inscribed in a figure when the circumference of the circle touches each side of the figure in which it is inscribed.
 * 6) A circle is said to be circumscribed about a figure when the circumference of the circle passes through each angle of the figure about which it is circumscribed.
 * 7) A straight line is said to be fitted into a circle when its extremities are on the circumference of the circle.