Lowconical

Lowconical is a term used in geometry, design, and related disciplines to describe forms that resemble a cone but have a relatively shallow apex. In practical terms, a lowconical shape has a broad base and a short height, so the side surface forms a shallow angle with the base. The concept is typically qualitative, emphasizing silhouette and proportions rather than strict measurements.

The term is not part of a formal mathematical definition. In design practice, lowconical refers to cones whose height-to-base dimensions produce a less pointy, more expanded profile. Designers may employ the term in sketches, CAD models, and prototypes to distinguish these shapes from tall, slender cones. Etymologically, it is a straightforward combination of “low” and “conical,” and it has appeared mainly in design discourse rather than in established technical lexicons.

Common contexts and examples include lighting fixtures with wide, shallow conical shades; architectural or decorative elements that present a broad cone-like form; and objects such as vases or sculptures where a low conical silhouette is aesthetically preferred. In many cases, a lowconical form can be approximated by a cone or a truncated cone, but with proportions chosen to achieve the desired broadness and perceived depth.

See also: cone, conical frustum, silhouette in design, industrial design. Notes: as a relatively informal descriptor, lowconical lacks a universal standard, and its precise meaning can vary between designers and applications.