iK, of 
polygeny 
polygeny (po-lij'e-ni), . [< LGr. 
many kinds or families: see polygenou/i and 
-(/< HI/.'] In itnthropol., the multiple genesis of 
man ; the supposed independent origin of the 
human races, as opposed to monogenism, or the 
theory of unity of genesis. 
polyglossary (pol-i-glos'a-ri), .; pi. polyglos- 
unricn (-riz). [< Gr. wo/U'f, many, + ML. glos- 
xarium, glossary: see glossary.] A glossary or 
dictionary in several languages, (lent. May. 
polyglot, polyglott (pol'i-glot), . and n. [= 
F. polyglotte = Sp. poligloto = Pg. polyglotto 
= It. poliglotto, < ML. polyglottus, < Gr. jroAf'- 
j'Awrrof, TroAtiyAuo-crof, many-tongued, speaking 
many languages, < iroXif , many, + } /Uirra, y).aa- 
aa, tongue, language.] I. a. Using or contain- 
ing many languages; many-languaged: as, a 
polyglot lexicon or Bible. 
II. n. 1. A book containing in parallel col- 
umns versions of the same text in several dif- 
ferent languages. The most Important polyglots are 
editions of the Bible In which the original Hebrew and 
Greek texts are given along with the chief versions in other 
languages. The chief polyglots are the London polyglot 
(published in 1057), giving versions in whole or in part in 
llebrew, Greek, Ohaldee, Syriac, Arabic, Ethiopic, Latin, 
etc.; the Com plutensiati polyglot (see Cotnplutcngian); and 
the Antwerp and Paris polyglots. A recent collection is 
Bagster's polyglot. 
2. One who understands or uses many lan- 
guages. 
A Polyglot, or good Linguist, may be also termed a use- 
ful learned Man, especially if versed in School- Languages. 
Houxll, Letters, iil. 8. 
polyglottic (pol-i-glot'ik), a. [(.polyglot + -ic.] 
Same as polyglottons. 
polyglottOUS (pol-i-glot'us), a. [< Gr. jroXtjAur- 
Tof, speaking many languages : eee polyglot, a.] 
Speaking many languages. 
While working as a Missionary among the Polyglottnu* 
tribes of America. Max MuUer, Sci. of Lang., p. 139. 
polygon (pol'i-gou), ii. [Formerly polygonc; = 
F. poll/gone = p. poligono = Pg. polygono = It. 
poligono, a polygon, polygonal, <lAj.polygonuin, 
\ Gr. m&iffuvov, a polygon, neut. of jro/,i> j uvof , 
having many angles, C >ro?.if, many, + -juvia, 
corner, angle.] In geoin., a closed figure form- 
ed by the intersections of a number of straight 
lines, each with two others; especially, a plane 
figure of this sort; a figure with numerous an- 
gles Acceleration-polygon. Same as acceleration- 
diagram (a) (which see, under diagram). Closed poly- 
gon, a plane polygon inclosing an area : opposed to '/''' 
polygon, which is only a part of a plane polygon. Com- 
plete polygon, a plane figure connecting every one of a 
number of angular vertices with every one of the others. 
Concave polygon. Same as ntnUring polygon. 
Conjugate polygon of II. sides, two seta of n lines, 
each cutting all the lines of the other set upon one curve 
of the nth order. Convex polygon, a plane rectilinear 
figure without reentrant angles : opposed to concaw poly- 
gon Displacement-polygon. Same as dis/ilacftneitt- 
diagram (a) (which see, under diayram). Funicular 
polygon, originally an open polygon representing a scries 
of connected ties, but extended to a closed polygon repre- 
senting a series of virtual ties and strut*. Gauche poly- 
gon. See gauche. Inserip tible polygon, a polygon with 
all its vertices lying on one circle. Polygon of forces, 
a diagram used in graphical statics, depending on a theo- 
rem of the same name due to Leibnitz ; a polygon each side 
of which represents in magnitude and direction one of the 
component forces acting on a material point: if then the 
polygon is closed, it represents forces in equilibrium. See 
diagram under /orei, 8. Reentering polygon, a poly- 
gon containing one or more reentrant angles. Regular 
polygon, a polygon all whose sides and angles are equal : 
It is further generally understood that the perimeter wraps 
around the Interior only once. Similar polygon. See 
rimUar. Skew polygon, a non-plane polygon. Spher- 
ical polygon, a polygon whoso vertices lie on a sphere ; 
also, a similar figure formed by arcs of great circles on a 
sphere. Steinerlan polygon, a polygon in the Steiner- 
ian sense that is, a figure composed of a number of ver- 
tices with connecting lines. Stellated polygon, a poly- 
gon which wraps its interior more than once. 
Polygonaceae (pol*i-go-na'se-e), n. vl. [NL. 
(Lmdley, 1836), < Polygon it in + -accse.] A very 
distinct order of apetalous plants of the series 
Ciirrcm bn/eie. It is characterized by a colored or green- 
ish calyx with four, five, or six imbricated segments, an 
ovary with one cell and one orthotropous ovule, two or 
three styles or style-branches, from six to nine perigynous 
stamens, and stipules with each pair united into a cylindri- 
cal sheath (ocrea), or at least leaving, on falling away, a 
scar forming a complete ring around the stem. It includes 
about 750 species, belonging to 6 tribes and SO genera, 
varying in habit according to distribution, the numerous 
herbaceous species being mainly in temperate or montane 
regions, represented by shrubs in western Asia and the 
Mediterranean, and by trees in tropical America. They 
bear alternate and usually entire leaves, generally with 
dilated and clasping petiole-base. The fmit IB a small 
seed-like nut, three-angled or compressed, and inclosed 
by the withering, persistent Hower. Many of the species 
are weedy plants, especially In the large genera Rumei 
(dock), Eruii/nitiiiii. ami Polygonum (the type). The most 
useful genera are Fagopyrum (buckwheat) and Rheum 
(rhubarb). See also Oxifria, Coccoloba, Kcenigia. 
polygonaceous (poi*i-go-na'shius). n. In hot.. 
like or belonging to the Polygoiuteeie. 
4603 
polygonal (po-lig'o-nal), n. [= F. Pg. polygo- 
nal; as polygon + -(.] Having the form of a 
polygon ; having many angles Polygonal num- 
bers, in iirilli., the successive sums from unity up of a 
series of numbers In arithmetical progression beginning 
wlthl. When the common difference 
of the series is 1, the sums of the terms 
give the triangular numbers ; when 
the common difference is -, the sums 
give the square numbers; when it is 
3, the sums give the pentagonal num- 
bers, and so on. (See figurate num- 
ber, under Jtywrate.) These numbers 
arc understood to be called polygonal 
numbers from possessing the property 
that the same number of points may I if arranged accord- 
ing to a certain rule in the form of that polygonal figure 
to which it belongs. In the cat, 6, 12, and 22 point* are 
shown arranged in pentagonal forms, 5, 12, ana 22 being 
pentagonal numbers. 
polyffonate (po-lig'o-nat), a. [< Gr. iro) .1 V, many, 
+ -jivv (jovar-), knee, joint: see knee.] Many- 
jointed: said of some plants and animals. 
Thomas, Mod. Diet. 
Polygonateae (pol'i-go-na'te-e), n. pi. [NL. 
(Bentham and Hooker, 1883), < I'olygonatuni + 
-ex.] A tribe of liliaceous plants, typified by 
the genus PolygoiiatuiH,ttw Solomon's-seal. it 
Is characterized by a herbaceous leafy stem, nearly or quite 
unbranched, an Inflorescence of axillary flowers or a ra- 
ceme, rarely a panicle, anthers introrsely dehiscent, the 
fruit a berry, and anatropous ovules. It include* 7 genera 
and about 42 species. See Polygonatum, Smilacina, Mai- 
anthemum, Strcptopus. 
Polygonatum (pol-i-gon'a-tum), H. [NL. 
(Toumefort, 1700), < L. polygonatum, < Gr. 
m&VY&varaVj Solomon's-seal (so called from the 
many-jointed rootstoeks), < iro/.i'y, many, + )6m 
(yorar-), knee.] A genus of liliaceous plants, 
the Solomon's-seal, type of the tribe rolygo- 
Htltctp. It is characterized by the nodding cylindrical 
flowers, having six short little-spreading lobes, and placed 
one or two or rarely more together at an axil, and by 
the undivided style and small stigma. There are 23 spe- 
cies, widely scattered through all north temperate re- 
gions. They bear a single erect leafy stem from a horizon- 
tal thickened deep burled or creeping rootstock, which 
is terminated by the upturned bud for the stem of the 
following year, and is marked by the circular scars of 
previous similar stems. These seal-like impressions gave 
the rootstock great fame for magic powers in the middle 
ages, as able to seal up and henl all wounds, having been 
stamped with the seal of Solomon, or of the Virgin .Mary, 
whence the popular names Solomon't-ieal and Oiir-Lady'x- 
Sfal, the former of which is still in use. (See Stilomon'i- 
seal and ladg'n-wal.) From its bell-like Bowers, resem- 
bling a string of tintinnabnla, by the monks ascribed to 
King David, the common English species, P. multijlorum, 
has derived the name Itacvl'x-harp; also, from Its upward 
series of leaves, ladder-to-heatvn, and, from resemblances 
to other plants, lily-of-the-niountain and frajrinell. 
polygoneutic (pol'i-go-mVtik), . [< Gr. TTO'/V- 
jovt'iaOai, multiply, < n-o/.rc, many, + )uvor, off- 
spring.] In entom., many-brooded; having sev- 
eral broods during a single year. 
polygoneutism (pol'i-go-nu'tizm), . [< poly- 
gniicut-ic + -ism.] The state or character of 
being polygoneutic. 
polygonometric (pol-i-gou-o-met'rik), a. [< 
polygonometr-y + -ic."] Pertaining to polygo- 
nometry. 
polygonometry (pol'i-gfr-nom'et-ri), . [= F. 
polygoiioiiiftrie, s Gr. iro/. i') uroj , many-angled 
(see polygon), + -utrpia, < /itrpeh', measure.] An 
extensioii of trigonometry to polygons; the 
doctrine of polygons, as trigonometry is the 
doctrine of triangles. 
Polygonopoda (pol'i-go-nop'6-da), H. pi. [NL., 
< Gr. JTo/.r;u)f, many-angled, + n-oi'f (irorf-) = 
E. foot.'] The sea-spiders : a synonym of Podo- 
sontata and Pijcnogonula. 
polygonoscope (pol'i-gon-o-skop), . [< Gr. 
wo)-i''j<jvof, many-angled, + aicoirciv, view.] An 
instrument of the nature of the kaleidoscope, 
used to produce a great variety of geometrical 
patterns by the reflections from two mirrors 
supported in a case and connected by an ad- 
justable hinge; specifically, a compact form of 
carpet-exhibitor for the multiple reproduction 
of a pattern. 
polygonous (po-lig'o-nus), a. [< Gr. ToAtijuvor, 
having many angles': see polygon.] Polygonal. 
Polygonum (p6-Yig'9-num), H. [NL. (Tourne- 
fort, 1700), < L. polygontim, < Gr. wo/i-yonov, 
knot-grass, polygony: see polygon.] A large 
genns of plants, type of the order fotggOMM :> 
and tribe Kiipoh/gonffe. It is characterized by a stem 
with swollen Joint's and conspicuous stipular sheaths, 
flowers with eight or six stamens, two or three styles, 
and a (He-parted and commonly colored perianth, re- 
maining with little change around the black ami shining 
or opaque hard three-angled or compressed nutlet, whif h 
is of nearly the same length as the sepals. The species 
are variously estimated at 150 to 300, widely distributed, 
ami some of them newly or quite cosmopolitan. They are 
most abundant in the northern hemisphere, but also extend 
into arctic, alpine, and tropical rfL'imts. Although of poly- 
morphous habit, they are easily distinguished by theswol- 
polygroove 
len joints sheathed with the united stipules. (See cut un- 
der node.) Nearly all are herbs, a few shrubby at the bate. 
Some are tall and erect, as /'. orientale, the prlnce's-feather 
(also called ragged-tailor); a very few are floating, some 
erect and aquatic, and others climbing or trailing, aa P. 
canden$, now esteemed for baskets in greenhouses, and 
/'. t-ti. ftiiif'Jiiiin, the rock-knotweed, from the Himalayas, 
used for ornamental rockeries. The majority are, how- 
ever, spreading weedy plants, especially In the section 
Anrularia, a group of about 5U species with wiry and 
short or prostrate stems, typified by I', aciculare (see tmat- 
grtut, ioorwed, and bint'-tara\ also known by many other 
names, as allteed, arnutrong, beggar-vred, cotr-grau, rrab- 
treed, goon gram, iron-grot*, knotu-ort, ninety-knot, pink- 
weed, fparroir-tungiie, nnne'-gra*, etc. Another section, 
also of about 50 spectea. 1'rr'ticaria, with erect but weak 
and Juicy stems, la typified by the abundant weed P. Per- 
Hicuria, the lady'i-thumb, also called, from the peach-leaf 
shape of the leaves, peitirary and peachuvrl, from their 
dark central spot, hearfi-eate and tpotted tnolveed, and, 
from the Jointed item, crabs-daw and rrdthankt. Sev- 
eral related species are known aa miartveed, especial- 
ly P. Hydrtipiper, also called In England redkneu, cider- 
aye, laie-treea, etc., and for which see also mittr-pep- 
per, mirage, and are-ginarl. A related and handsome- 
flowered species of American river-margins, introduced 
into cultivation as a source of tannin, Is P. amphttrivm, 
the willow grass or water-persicarla. The general name 
knotmed is a book-name for many of the specie*. Many 
are mild astringenta, others strongly diuretic and acid ; 
the most important In medicine Is /'. fiuforfa (see bitturl, 
inakeireed, addcr'i-wort, aerology, and dragonvort\ also 
known in England as redleg*, tuice-urithen. Easter ledge*, 
etc. / '. Fagopyrum of many authors, the cultivated buck- 
wheat, is now separated (see Fagopyrum). P. (tneforit/m 
Is the Chinese indigo-plant, cultivated in France and lifl- 
gium, as also in Japan, as a source of a blue dye, a substi- 
tute for Indigo. The leaves of 7*. hitpidvm are used In 
M in t h America as a substitute for tobacco. For the climb- 
Ing weed P. Convolrulut. also called cornlind, bearbine, 
climbing buctnrheat, and black bindveed, see icy-bindicted. 
For other species, see terpenl-gran, iainitreed, falte tnick- 
>i li< nt (under buctncheat}, tear-thumb (and cut of leaf under 
haitate), and icrateh-grom. See also cut under ocrea. 
polygony (po-lig o-ni), . [= OF. polygone (F. 
polygonutn) = Sp. poligono = Pg. polygono = It. 
poligono; < L. polygoiion, potygomni, polygoiti- 
inii, < Gr. iroliymvi; knot-grass, < jr>n;, many, 
-I- ; ui'i', knee, joint, = K. kurr.] A plant of the 
genus Polygonum; specifically, the Polygon inn 
aricularr, or knot-grass. 
Polygordiidae (poPi-^Ar-dl'i-dS), . pi. [NL., 
< Polygordius + -idx.] A family of worms, typi- 
fied hy tho genus Polygordius, of a low and 
generalized type of structure. 
Polygordius (pol-i-gor'di-us), n. [NL. (Schnei- 
der, 1866), < Gr. 7ro/rc, many, + r/J/oc, Gordius 
(with ref. to the Gordiau knot): see (iordiati, 
dordiiis.] The typical genus of the family 
I'olygortliidfp, referred to the annelids as type 
of a group, Archianticlida. I', piirpuroix and /'. 
liitcus are two species, the former hermaphro- 
ditic, the latter dioecious. 
polygram (pol'i-gram), i. [= Pg. poh/grnnio = 
It. iMjIigrniuma, < Gr. m/.i-ypa/Afmf, marked with 
many stripes, < TO/, if, many, + tpaufn'i, a stroke, 
line, }pa/i/ia, a mark, line, etc., < ipafttv, write.] 
A figure consisting of many lines. 
polygrammatic (pol'i-gra-mat'ik), a. [As poly- 
(inim + -atic'*(ct.grammatic).] Pertainingorre- 
lating to polygrams. polygrammatic telegraph, 
a form of semaphore Invented by I'aptalu Pasley in 18O4. 
polygraph (pol'i-graf), n. [= F. jtolygraplie = 
Pg.polygrapho = It.poligrafo, < Gr. iroAvypfiAor, 
writing much, < TroJ.if, much, + ;/xi^fv, write.] 
1. An instrument for multiplying copies of a 
writing; a gelatin copying-pad. 2. An author 
of many works. 3. A collection of different 
works written either by one or by different au- 
thors ; a book containing articles or treatises on 
different subjects. 
polygraphic (pol-i-graf'ik), a. [= P. poly- 
granhiyue = Pg. polygrapliiro; UK polygraph + 
-ic.] 1. Pertaining to multiplication of copies 
of a writing: as, a polygraphic instrument. 2. 
Done with a polygraph: as, a polygraphic copy 
or writing. Polygraphic paper. See paper. 
polygraphical (pol-i-graf'i-kal), a. [< t'oli;- 
graphic + -al.] Same as polygraphic. 
'raphic 
poli- 
<Gr. 
iif, much, + ypateiv, write.] 1. Volumi- 
nous writing. 
No leas admirable his [Dr. Willet's] industry, appeal inn 
in his Synopses. Comments, and Commentaries. Insomuch 
that one. considering his polygraphy, said merrily that he 
must write while he slept. 
Puller, Worthies, Cambridgeshire. 
2. The art of writing in various ciphers, and 
also of deciphering such writings. 
polygroove (pol'i-grOv), r. t.; pret. and pp. 
imlygrooted, ppr. polygrmtring. [< Gr. iro/.tf, 
many, + E. groove.'] To make many g 
[The guns] are similar In construction, anil will txith !>< 
pi}lygroored in the rifling. Timn (IxnnliMi'. 
