Scalene is a technicalrelating to a specialized subject, not everyday language word used in geometrythe branch of mathematics about shapes, sizes, and space and anatomythe study of body structure and body parts. It most commonly describes a triangle with three sides of different lengths. In anatomy, it can also describe things connected with the scalene muscles in the neck.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈskeɪliːn/
Easy pronunciation: SKAY-leen (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: SKAY.
Use this meaning for a triangle with three unequal sides.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Scalene Meaning
A triangle with no equal sides.
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: Having three sides of different lengths.
Example: The diagram showed a scalene triangle.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Scalene
Meaning 2
Connected with the scalene muscles.
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: Of or relating to the scalene muscles in the neck.
Example: The doctor noted scalene muscle tenderness.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Scalene Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- unequal-sided
Of or relating to the scalene muscles in the neck
- unequal-sided
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes confuse scalene with isosceles or equilateral, but those describe triangles with equal sides.
- Do not use scalene as a general word for 'uneven' outside geometry or anatomy.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does scalene mean in geometry?
In geometry, scalene means a triangle with three sides of different lengths.
What does scalene mean in anatomy?
In anatomy, scalene refers to the scalene muscles in the neck.
What are synonyms for scalene?
A strong near-synonym for the geometric sense is unequal-sided, though scalene is the standard technical term. The anatomy sense usually does not have a common everyday synonym.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.