trigonal Definition
- 1having three angles or corners
- 2crystallography: characterized by three equal axes at right angles
Using trigonal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trigonal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The molecule has a trigonal planar shape.
Example
The crystal has a trigonal symmetry.
trigonal Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for trigonal
- triangular
- trilateral
- three-cornered
Phrases with trigonal
a molecular geometry with one atom at the center and five atoms at the corners of a triangular bipyramid
Example
Phosphorus pentachloride adopts a trigonal bipyramidal geometry.
a molecular geometry with one atom at the center and three atoms at the corners of a triangle and one lone pair of electrons
Example
Ammonia has a trigonal pyramidal shape.
a molecular geometry with one atom at the center and three atoms at the corners of an equilateral triangle
Example
Boron trifluoride has a trigonal planar shape.
Summary: trigonal in Brief
The term 'trigonal' [trahy-guh-nl] refers to objects or shapes that have three angles or corners. In crystallography, it describes a structure with three equal axes at right angles. Examples include 'The molecule has a trigonal planar shape.' and 'The crystal has a trigonal symmetry.' The term extends into phrases like 'trigonal bipyramidal,' 'trigonal pyramidal,' and 'trigonal planar,' which describe specific molecular geometries.
