Heesch number

noun

The maximum number of layers of copies of the same shape that can surround a given shape.

Meanings

nounHeesch number (plural Heesch numbers)

plural Heesch numbers

  1. geometryThe maximum number of layers of copies of the same shape that can surround a given shape.

Origin

Named after geometer Heinrich Heesch.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Heesch number. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Heesch%20number

MLA

“Heesch number.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Heesch%20number. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Heesch number,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Heesch%20number.

Source: Heesch number on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.