triangulation

triangulation

UK[traɪˌæŋɡjʊˈleɪʃən]US[traɪˌæŋɡjəˈleɪʃən]
n

The process of determining the location of a point by measuring angles to it from known points at either end of a fixed baseline.

n

A method of establishing something by using multiple sources of information or perspectives.

Morpheme Breakdown

tri
angul
ation
tri

three

angul

angle

ation

action or process

Etymology

The word 'triangulation' is a modern scientific term built directly from classical Latin components. The prefix 'tri-' (three) combines with the root 'angul-' (angle), referencing the fundamental geometric shape of a triangle. The suffix '-ation' transforms this concept into a noun describing the process or method. The logic is transparent: the technique involves creating a triangle between two known points and an unknown one to calculate its position, a principle later extended metaphorically to any process of cross-referencing multiple data points for verification.

Analysis

Structure: tri (three) + angul (angle) + ation (action or process) - tri: From Latin 'tri-', meaning "three". A numerical prefix. - angul: From Latin 'angulus', meaning "corner" or "angle". A root indicating a geometric shape. - ation: From Latin '-atio', a suffix forming nouns that denote an action or its result.

Examples

The ship's position was determined by triangulation using signals from two coastal lighthouses.

Researchers used triangulation of data from surveys, interviews, and observations to validate their findings.

In social science, methodological triangulation strengthens the credibility of a study.