Definition
A closed plane figure having six straight sides and six interior angles. A regular hexagon has all six sides of equal length and all six angles equal (each 120°).
Plain English
A six-sided shape. When all sides are the same length, like the head of a standard bolt or nut, it's called a regular hexagon.
Context Anchor
Seen in chart legends, aircraft diagrams, and maintenance descriptions where the shape of a symbol or part matters.
Derivation
From the Greek 'hex' (six) and 'gonia' (angle or corner). So 'hexagon' literally means 'six angles.' Knowing 'hex-' means six helps with related words like hex key (six-sided wrench) and hex nut.
Why Pilots Care
Almost every wrench, socket, and fastener used on an aircraft engages a hexagonal head. Recognizing the shape and the matching tool size is basic to preflight inspections, owner maintenance, and any conversation with a mechanic.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic selected a 7/16-inch socket to fit the hexagon head of the cowling bolt.
Example Sentence 2
The maintenance diagram showed the fitting as a hexagon when viewed from above.