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Pentagon

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a five-sided figure

Where does the word "pentagon" come from? It comes from Greek pentagōnon, adopted directly into English (1570s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
pentagōnon
Greek · ancient
"five-angled"
Greek, 'pente', five, plus 'gōnia', angle
2
Stage 2 of 2
pentagon
English · 1570s
"five-sided figure"
the Pentagon building opened in 1943
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Read the full story

Pentagon’s story begins in Greek: pentagōnon meant “five-angled.” Greek, 'pente', five, plus 'gōnia', angle. It reached English by 1570s as pentagon. The Pentagon building opened in 1943. Today, pentagon means a five-sided figure.