Definition:Compass and Straightedge Construction

Definition
A compass and straightedge construction is a technique of drawing geometric figures using only a straightedge and a compass.

The operations available are:


 * using the straightedge to draw a straight line determined by two given points


 * using the compass to draw a circle whose center is at a given point and whose radius is the distance between two given points


 * finding the points of intersection between straight lines and circles.

Also known as
The obvious alternative straightedge and compass construction can of course be seen.

Some sources use hyphens: compass-and-straightedge construction.

Use whatever you feel comfortable with.

Some sources use the term Euclidean tools, while others recognize that term but decry it.

Some sources use the word ruler for straightedge, but this can be confused with a device which has markings on it to allow measurement; a true Euclidean straightedge has no such markings.

Also see

 * Definition:Neusis Construction