subtendere

Subtendere is a Latin verb meaning "to stretch under" or "to hold under." In geometry, it describes the relationship between an angle and the line segment or arc that forms its sides. Specifically, an angle subtends a line segment or arc if the endpoints of the segment or arc lie on the rays forming the angle. For example, a central angle in a circle subtends the arc between the two points where its sides intersect the circle. Similarly, an inscribed angle subtends the arc intercepted by its sides. The term is also used in anatomy, where a muscle might subtend a bone, meaning it is positioned beneath or supports it. In a more general sense, subtendere can refer to anything that lies beneath or supports something else. The concept of subtending is fundamental in understanding geometric figures and spatial relationships.