hexagonal

[hek-sag-uh-nl] /hɛkˈsæg ə nl/
adjective
1.
of, pertaining to, or having the form of a hexagon.
2.
having a hexagon as a base or cross section:
a hexagonal prism.
3.
divided into hexagons, as a surface.
4.
Crystallography. noting or pertaining to a system of crystallization in which three equal axes intersect at angles of 60° on one plane, and the fourth axis, of a different length, intersects them perpendicularly.
Origin
1565-75; hexagon + -al1
Related forms
hexagonally, adverb
pseudohexagonal, adjective
pseudohexagonally, adverb
subhexagonal, adjective
Examples from the web for hexagonal
  • The ceiling is coated with sparkling hexagonal ice crystals.
  • Imagine seven towers arranged in a hexagonal pattern,with the seventh at the centre.
  • Try comparing square designs to triangular or hexagonal designs.
  • The water molecules in ice are locked into a hexagonal crystal and do not move freely.
  • The rocks, hexagonal columns of basalt, formed millions of years ago from volcanoes in the area.
  • Six fingers, with three-joints each, extend from a hexagonal palm.
  • Neither for that matter are hexagonal or pyramid-shaped ones.
  • To form diamond, the hexagonal rings in graphite first have to deform.
  • There are essentially two ways a hexagonal ring can warp.
  • However, this slab is punctured by a hexagonal array of holes that correspond to the position of the polystyrene beads.
British Dictionary definitions for hexagonal

hexagonal

/hɛkˈsæɡənəl/
adjective
1.
having six sides and six angles
2.
of or relating to a hexagon
3.
(crystallog) relating or belonging to the crystal system characterized by three equal coplanar axes inclined at 60° to each other and a fourth longer or shorter axis at right angles to their plane See also trigonal
Derived Forms
hexagonally, adverb
Word Origin and History for hexagonal
adj.

1570s, from hexagon + -al (1). Related: Hexagonally.

hexagonal in Science
hexagonal
  (hěk-sāg'ə-nəl)   
  1. Having six sides.

  2. Relating to a crystal having three axes of equal length intersecting at angles of 60° in one plane, and a fourth axis of a different length that is perpendicular to this plane. The mineral calcite has hexagonal crystals. See illustration at crystal.