archimedean

The term Archimedean refers to concepts related to Archimedes, the ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, and inventor. In mathematics, the Archimedean property states that for any two positive real numbers, there exists a multiple of the smaller that exceeds the larger. This principle is fundamental to the real number system.

In geometry, Archimedean solids are convex polyhedrons with regular polygon faces and identical vertices, including shapes like the truncated icosahedron. These were studied by Archimedes, though his original work on this topic was lost.

The Archimedean screw, a device for raising water, remains one of his most famous inventions. This simple machine consists of a helical screw inside a hollow cylinder, capable of transferring water when rotated.

In physics, the Archimedean principle explains buoyancy, stating that any object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. This principle has numerous practical applications in engineering and shipbuilding.

The term also appears in philosophy as the Archimedean point, a hypothetical standpoint from which certain knowledge can be achieved, referenced by philosophers like Descartes.