(ˌ) ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈlāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin triangulation-, triangulatio action of making triangles, from triangulatus (past participle of triangulare to make triangles, from Latin triangulum triangle) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion — more at triangle
1. : the operation of measuring the elements necessary to determine the network of triangles into which any part of the earth's surface is divided in surveying and to fix the positions and distances apart of their vertices
a surveyor who wants to measure the distance across a lake cannot use a tape measure or surveyor's chain so he must resort to a method called triangulation — J.S.Allen
as triangulations cover only a small part of the continents and fail completely over the oceans, many geodetic systems exist — W.A.Heiskanen
broadly : any similar trigonometric operation performed for finding a position or location by means of bearings from two fixed points a known distance apart
triangulation on radio signals from the satellite will offer a supplemental means of location — Science
2. : a calculation or prediction based on known facts
a new isolationist formulation was bound to come — a new triangulation by which the old emotions would try to make terms with the new realities — A.M.Schlesinger b.1917