How Do You Spell PROTRACTOR?

Pronunciation: [pɹətɹˈaktə] (IPA)

The word "protractor" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /prəˈtræktər/. The first syllable, "pro", is pronounced with a short "o" sound, followed by the "r" sound. The second syllable, "tract", is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a "k" sound. The final syllable, "tor", is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by the "r" sound. Therefore, when spelling the word "protractor", it is important to pay attention to the number of "r" sounds in the word, as well as the placement of stress on the second syllable.

PROTRACTOR Meaning and Definition

  1. A protractor is a measuring instrument used in mathematics and geometry to measure angles. It is a flat, transparent, and usually circular tool marked with a scale of degrees or radians. The purpose of a protractor is to accurately determine the measurement of an angle between two lines or rays.

    Typically, a protractor consists of a semicircular shape with a pivot point in the center that allows it to rotate freely. The scale is represented along the curved edge of the protractor, usually starting from zero and going up to 180 degrees or 360 degrees, depending on the type.

    To use a protractor, one places the pivot point directly on the vertex of the angle to be measured. Then, the protractor is rotated until one of the lines or rays forming the angle aligns with the zero mark on the scale. The measurement can then be read off the scale where the other line or ray intersects.

    Protractors are commonly made of plastic, clear acrylic, or sometimes metal. They are widely used in educational settings, particularly in geometry classes and for various geometric constructions. With the aid of a protractor, students can accurately measure and draw angles, facilitating the study of geometry and trigonometry.

    Overall, a protractor is an essential tool in the field of mathematics, enabling the precise measurement and analysis of angles for a variety of practical applications.

  2. 1. An instrument for extracting a bullet from a wound. 2. A muscle drawing a part forward, as antagonistic to a retractor.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A math. instr. for laying down and measuring angles on paper that have been taken in the field; in anat., a muscle that draws forward any part; in surg., an instr. for drawing extraneous bodies out of a wound.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PROTRACTOR

Etymology of PROTRACTOR

The word "protractor" has its origins in the Latin word "protractus" which means "drawn forth" or "extended". It is derived from the verb "protrahere" which means "to draw forth" or "to extend". The term "protractor" refers to a measuring instrument used to draw or measure angles in mathematics and is named as such because it allows the user to extend or draw out the angle for measurement.

Similar spelling words for PROTRACTOR

Plural form of PROTRACTOR is PROTRACTORS

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