- I first started used this word when trying to explain a math problem to one of my friends involving the Pythagorean Theorem. Instead of saying “you need to use the Pythagorean Theorem” I subconsciously shortened it to “pythagorize.” I believe the word “Pythagorean Theorem” was clipped first to Pythagorean then via backformation the fake root “ean” was taken out (not a real root since word originated from someone’s name) and then via affixation the verb forming root “ize” was added. This word would probably only be used within a community of math students.
Pythagorize
verb; derivation Clipping then backformation then affixation
to use the Pythagorean Theorem on set of numbers that consist of sides or angles of a right triangle in order to find an unknown value of the triangle
Etymology : Came from the word “Pythagorean Theorem” which came from the Greek philosopher “Pythagoras” + ize ‘V’
Source : Once you find these numbers you need to pythagorize them in order to find the angle. (conversation, Nov. 2, 2008)
Last modified: 1 December 2008