Cathetus vs. Hypotenuse — What's the Difference?

In a right triangle, a cathetus (originally from the Greek word Κάθετος; plural: catheti), commonly known as a leg, is either of the sides that are adjacent to the right angle. It is occasionally called a "side about the right angle".

In geometry, a hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle, the side opposite the right angle. The length of the hypotenuse can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

(geometry) A line perpendicular to a surface (or line); in particular, either of the sides of a right triangle other than its hypotenuse.

The side of a right triangle opposite the right angle.

One line or radius falling perpendicularly on another; as, the catheti of a right-angled triangle, that is, the two sides that include the right angle.

(geometry) The side of a right triangle opposite the right angle.

The side of a right-angled triangle that is opposite to the right angle.

The side of a right triangle opposite the right angle