Phrase guide

square-cube law

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The mathematical principle that, as a shape grows in size, its volume grows faster than its surface area. Specifically, when an object undergoes a proportional increase in size, its new surface area is proportional to the square of the multiplier and its new volume is proportional to the cube of the multiplier.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The square-cube law helps to explain why large mammals like elephants have a harder time cooling themselves than smaller ones like mice.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.