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pi

B2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pˈaɪ/

US

  • /ˈpaɪ/

Description

Pi (pronounced "pie") is a fundamental mathematical constant. It represents the ratio of a circle's circumference, the distance around it, to its diameter, the distance across it. No matter how big or small the circle is, this ratio always stays the same. If you divide a circle's circumference by its diameter, you get approximately 3.14159..., and the digits continue forever without repeating.

This number is used in many calculations involving circles and spheres, from finding area and volume to describing waves. It also appears far beyond geometry. You can find it in probability, statistics, and physics. It is one of those numbers that turns up again and again in the way we describe the world.

Examples

  1. 1

    Geometry

    We used pi to find the area of the circle.

  2. 2

    Homework

    For this homework problem, you can use 3.14 for pi.

  3. 3

    Memorization

    She memorized pi to fifty decimal places.

    • Pattern

      to + number + decimal places

      with that many numbers after the point

See also

nounthe mathematical constant equal to a circle's circumference divided by its diameter

Similar

  • Archimedes' constant

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • pi equals 3.14159
  • the value of pi
  • pi r squared

Explore

  • irrational number
  • circle geometry

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • pinoun