What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barycentric
Example
The barycentric coordinates of a triangle are used to determine the position of a point within the triangle. [barycentric: adjective]
Example
In physics, the barycentric motion refers to the movement of the center of mass of a system of particles. [barycentric: noun]
centroid
Example
The centroid of a triangle is the point where the medians intersect. [centroid: noun]
Example
To find the centroid of a shape, you need to calculate the average of the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of all the points. [centroid: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Centroid is more commonly used than barycentric in everyday language, especially in the field of geometry. Centroid is a widely recognized term and is used to describe specific points in geometric figures. On the other hand, barycentric is less common and is mainly used in mathematical and physical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barycentric and centroid?
Both barycentric and centroid are technical terms and are considered formal in nature. However, barycentric is more specialized and is typically used in more advanced mathematical and scientific discussions, making it slightly more formal than centroid.