exterior angle

noun

1
: the angle between a side of a polygon and an extended adjacent side
2
: an angle formed by a transversal as it cuts one of two lines and situated on the outside of the line

Illustration of exterior angle

Illustration of exterior angle
  • ega egb fhc fhd exterior angle 2

Examples of exterior angle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It is known that the sum of the exterior angles of a convex polygon is always 360º. Since an exterior angle of a right angle is also a right angle, our four right angles would take up the entire 360º of the octagon’s exterior-angle measure. Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2020 It is known that the sum of the exterior angles of a convex polygon is always 360º. Since an exterior angle of a right angle is also a right angle, our four right angles would take up the entire 360º of the octagon’s exterior-angle measure. Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exterior angle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exterior angle was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near exterior angle

Cite this Entry

“Exterior angle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior%20angle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

exterior angle

noun
: any of the four angles formed by a line cutting across two other lines and located on the outside of those lines
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