one eighth of a circle crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "one eighth of a circle," you've come to the right place. We provide precise and helpful answers, along with explanations, to get you unstuck quickly. Find the solution that fits your puzzle's length and solve with confidence!
Solutions for "one eighth of a circle crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ARC: A segment of the circumference of a circle. While a general term, an arc can certainly represent one eighth of a circle's perimeter, making it a common shorter answer for clues about a 'part of a circle'.
6 Letters
OCTANT: A precise term referring to one of eight equal parts into which a circle (or sphere) can be divided. In the context of a circle, an octant represents a sector of exactly 45 degrees (360 degrees / 8).
More About "one eighth of a circle crossword clue"
The clue "one eighth of a circle" commonly appears in crosswords that test your knowledge of basic geometry and precise mathematical terms. A complete circle encompasses 360 degrees. Dividing this by eight yields 45 degrees. Therefore, one eighth of a circle refers to a section that spans 45 degrees from the center, often forming a pie-slice shape.
While 'ARC' is a broad term for any continuous part of a circle's circumference, 'OCTANT' is the specific and more accurate geometric term for precisely one-eighth of a circle, particularly when referring to a sector or a specific region defined by its angle. Understanding this distinction can be crucial for solving such clues accurately and efficiently, especially when letter counts are provided.
This type of clue often encourages solvers to consider both general descriptions and specific mathematical nomenclature. Always remember to cross-reference with the number of letters required in your puzzle, as it will often guide you towards the correct answer among potential alternatives.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Precision vs. Generality: For clues involving fractions of geometric shapes (like 'one eighth of a circle'), think about both general terms (e.g., ARC) and precise mathematical terms (e.g., OCTANT). The available word length in your grid will often dictate which is the intended answer.
- Think in Degrees: If you're stuck on a geometric clue involving fractions of a circle, mentally convert the fraction into degrees (e.g., 1/8 of 360 degrees = 45 degrees). This mental calculation can sometimes trigger the correct associated term.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These are invaluable for narrowing down possibilities for common answers like 'ARC' or confirming more unique ones like 'OCTANT'.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with common geometric terms and their variations. Crosswords love to use different words for the same concept or slight variations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "one eighth of a circle" mean in geometry?
In geometry, 'one eighth of a circle' refers to a sector or arc that spans 45 degrees, as a full circle measures 360 degrees (360 / 8 = 45). The term 'octant' specifically refers to such a division, particularly when describing a sector of a circle divided into eight equal parts.
Are there multiple answers for the crossword clue 'one eighth of a circle'?
Yes, depending on the required word length and the puzzle's specific context. While 'OCTANT' is the most precise and commonly sought answer, shorter clues might accept 'ARC' as a more general term for a portion of a circle's circumference, which could represent one-eighth of it.
How can I improve my knowledge of geometric terms for crosswords?
To enhance your geometric crossword knowledge, familiarize yourself with fundamental shapes, angles, and their components. Learning terms like 'radius', 'diameter', 'circumference', 'sector', 'segment', 'arc', and specific fractional divisions such as 'quadrant' (one-fourth) and 'octant' (one-eighth) will be highly beneficial. Consistent practice with geometry-themed puzzles also significantly helps.