1. divide (an area) into triangles for surveying purposes.
▪ measure and map (an area) by the use of triangles with a known base length and base angles.
▪ determine (a height, distance, or location) by triangulating an area.
2. form into a triangle or triangles: "the brackets triangulate the frame"
3. (in politics) position oneself in such a way as to appeal to or appease both left-wing and right-wing standpoints:US"will the president decide to triangulate?"
Word Originmid 19th century: from Latin triangulum ‘triangle’ (see triangle) + -ate3.