Set square

Set square
triangle, set square

A set square or triangle (American English) is an object used in engineering and technical drawing, with the aim of providing a straightedge at a right angle or other particular planar angle to a baseline.

The most simple form of set square is a triangular piece of transparent plastic (or formerly of polished wood) with the centre removed. More commonly the set square bears the markings of a ruler and a half circle protractor. The outer edges are typically bevelled. These set squares come in two usual forms, both right triangles: one with 90-45-45 degree angles, the other with 30-60-90 degree angles. Combining the two forms by placing the hypotenuses together will also yield 15° and 75° angles. They are often purchased in packs with protractors and compasses.

Less commonly found is the adjustable set square. Here, the body of the object is cut in half and rejoined with a hinge marked with angles. Adjustment to the marked angle will produce any desired angle up to a maximum of 180°.


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  • set square — set ,square noun count BRITISH a TRIANGLE for drawing lines and measuring angles …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • set square — ► NOUN ▪ a right angled triangular plate for drawing lines, especially at 90°, 45°, 60°, or 30° …   English terms dictionary

  • set square — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms set square : singular set square plural set squares maths British a flat plastic or metal tool with three straight sides and one right angle, used for drawing lines and measuring angles …   English dictionary

  • set square — noun a) A flat triangular piece of plastic or other material, having corners of precise angles, used in technical drawing Descartes extended this classification by introducing his set square compass. This is mechanism of sliding set squares that… …   Wiktionary

  • set square — noun a try square with an adjustable sliding head • Hypernyms: ↑try square …   Useful english dictionary

  • set square — /ˈsɛt skwɛə / (say set skwair) noun a flat piece of wood, plastic, or the like, in the shape of a right angled triangle, used in mechanical drawing …  

  • set square — thin and flat metal or plastic instrument shaped in a triangle with one angle at 90 degrees which is used for drawing angles …   English contemporary dictionary

  • set square — noun a right angled triangular plate for drawing lines, especially at 90°, 45°, 60°, or 30° …   English new terms dictionary

  • square — n 1. quadrate, rectangle, Rare. tetragon; block, cube. 2. try square, T square, measure, ruler, straightedge, set square, carpenter s square. 3. plaza, place, park, piazza, forum, rialto; town green, green, town common, common, marketplace,… …   A Note on the Style of the synonym finder

  • square — Synonyms and related words: Babbitt, Little Joe, Methuselah, Middle American, Philistine, T square, aboveboard, absolutely, accommodate, accord, accordant, account with, accurate, accurately, adapt, adipose, adjust, agora, agree, agree with,… …   Moby Thesaurus

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