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n. 1. Mathematics a. A quadrilateral having two parallel sides. b. Chiefly British A trapezium. 2. Anatomy A small bone in the wrist, situated near the base of the index finger. 3. Sports An area in the shape of a trapezoid marked behind the goal line and the goal in ice hockey, where the goalie is allowed to play the puck. [Originally, a quadrilateral with no parallel sides (later confused with TRAPEZIUM, originally, a quadrilateral with two parallel sides), from New Latin trapezoīdēs, a quadrilateral with no parallel sides, from Late Greek trapezoeidēs, from Greek table-shaped : trapeza, table; see TRAPEZIUM + -oeidēs, -oid.] trape·zoid′, trap′e·zoidal (-zoidl) adj.  (click for a larger image) trapezoid |
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