Cube vs. Dice: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 8, 2023
A cube is a three-dimensional geometric shape with six equal square faces, while dice (singular: die) are small objects with marked sides, often cubes, used in games of chance.
Key Differences
The terms Cube and Dice, while sometimes used interchangeably in everyday language, have distinct meanings. A cube, in its geometric essence, is a three-dimensional shape with six identical square faces. This shape is foundational in mathematics and is used to understand space, volume, and architecture. In contrast, dice are typically small, throwable objects, often made in the shape of cubes, which have numbers, dots, or symbols on their sides. They're primarily used in various games to introduce an element of randomness.
The word "cube" can be versatile. Beyond geometry, it can represent a measure of volume or even a technique in cooking where items are cut into cube shapes. Dice, conversely, is deeply rooted in the realm of gaming and chance. From ancient civilizations to modern board games, dice have been tools to decide outcomes based on luck.
While it's true that most traditional dice are cubes in shape, not all cubes are dice. A wooden block, for instance, might be a cube but isn't a die unless it has numbers or symbols for gaming. Similarly, not all dice are cubes. They can be tetrahedrons, octahedrons, or other polyhedral shapes, showing that the essence of dice isn't in its shape but its function in gameplay.
To sum it up, while both Cube and Dice can refer to a similar physical shape, their primary distinctions lie in their purpose and application. A cube is a geometric shape, and a die (or dice in plural) is a gaming tool.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A 3D shape with six equal square faces.
Objects with marked sides used in games of chance.
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Primary Use
Geometric understanding and representation.
Gaming and determining random outcomes.
Variability in Shape
Always a square 3D shape.
Mostly cubes, but can be other polyhedral shapes.
Contexts
Mathematics, architecture, and cooking.
Board games, casinos, and decision-making tools.
Representation
Represents volume or a specific cutting technique.
Represents chance, outcomes, and game mechanics.
Cube and Dice Definitions
Cube
A three-dimensional shape with six equal square sides.
The artist carved a perfect Cube from the block of marble.
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Dice
Objects used to determine random outcomes.
The game required three Dice to play.
Cube
A measurement of volume equivalent to the length on one side raised to the third power.
The storage unit has a space of ten cubic feet.
Dice
To cut into small, even pieces.
The chef taught her to Dice the onions finely.
Cube
To cut into small, square-shaped pieces.
She decided to Cube the potatoes for the stew.
Dice
Cubes or polyhedrons used for chance in games.
Different board games use various types of Dice.
Cube
(Mathematics) A regular solid having six congruent square faces.
Dice
The plural of the word "die," referring to gaming objects.
She threw the Dice onto the table, waiting for the result.
Cube
Something having the general shape of a cube
A cube of sugar.
Dice
Plural of die2.
Cube
A cubicle, used for work or study.
Dice
Pl. dice also dices (used with a pl. verb) Small cubes of food.
Cube
(Mathematics) The third power of a number or quantity.
Dice
To play or gamble with dice.
Cube
Cubes(Slang) Cubic inches. Used especially of an internal combustion engine.
Dice
To win or lose (money) by gambling with dice.
Cube
(Mathematics) To raise (a quantity or number) to the third power.
Dice
To cut (food) into small cubes.
Cube
To determine the cubic contents of.
Dice
To decorate with dicelike figures.
Cube
To form or cut into cubes
The cook cubed some potatoes.
Dice
(uncountable) Gaming with one or more dice.
Cube
To tenderize (meat) by breaking the fibers with superficial cuts in a pattern of squares.
Dice
A die.
Cube
(geometry) A regular polyhedron having six identical square faces.
Dice
That which has been diced.
Cut onions, carrots and celery into medium dice.
Cube
Any object more or less in the form of a cube.
A sugar cube
A stock cube
Dice
(intransitive) To play dice.
Cube
(mathematics) The third power of a number, value, term or expression.
The cube of 2 is 8
Dice
(transitive) To cut into small cubes.
Cube
(computing) A data structure consisting of a three-dimensional array; a data cube
Dice
(transitive) To ornament with squares, diamonds, or cubes.
Cube
A Rubik's cube style puzzle, not necessarily in the shape of a cube
Dice
To play games with dice.
I . . . diced not above seven times a week.
Cube
A cubicle, especially one of those found in offices.
My co-worker annoys me by throwing things over the walls of my cube.
Dice
To cut into small cubes; as, to slice and dice carrots.
Cube
To raise to the third power; to determine the result of multiplying by itself twice.
Three cubed can be written as 33, and equals twenty-seven.
Dice
To ornament with squares, diamonds, or cubes.
Cube
(transitive) To form into the shape of a cube.
Dice
Small cubes with 1 to 6 spots on the faces; used to generate random numbers
Cube
(transitive) To cut into cubes.
Cube the ham right after adding the curry to the rice.
Dice
Cut into cubes;
Cube the cheese
Cube
(intransitive) To use a Rubik's cube.
He likes to cube now and then.
Dice
Play dice
Cube
A regular solid body, with six equal square sides.
Dice
Small cubes with numbers or symbols on each side used in games.
He rolled the Dice and hoped for a six.
Cube
The product obtained by taking a number or quantity three times as a factor; as, 4x4=16, and 16x4=64, the cube of 4.
Cube
To raise to the third power; to obtain the cube of.
Cube
A three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides
Cube
A hexahedron with six equal squares as faces
Cube
The product of three equal terms
Cube
Any of several tropical American woody plants of the genus Lonchocarpus whose roots are used locally as a fish poison and commercially as a source of rotenone
Cube
A block in the (approximate) shape of a cube
Cube
Raise to the third power
Cube
Cut into cubes;
Cube the cheese
Cube
An object shaped like a geometric cube.
The child played with colorful plastic Cubes.
Cube
A mathematical operation of raising a number to its third power.
Four cubed, or 4^3, equals 64.
FAQs
Can the term "cube" refer to something in cooking?
Yes, to "cube" in cooking means to cut something into cube-shaped pieces.
Are all Dice cubes?
No, while many dice are cubes, dice can come in various polyhedral shapes.
What shape is a Cube?
A cube is a three-dimensional shape with six equal square faces.
How many faces does a traditional die have?
A traditional die, being a cube, has six faces.
In mathematics, what does it mean to "cube" a number?
To "cube" a number means to raise it to the third power.
Why do games use Dice?
Dice introduce an element of randomness and chance to games.
Are dice always used for gaming purposes?
Primarily, yes, but they can also be used for teaching or decision-making tools.
Can a Cube be called Dice if it doesn't have numbers?
Typically, no. Dice are specifically marked for gaming outcomes.
Is the word "Dice" singular or plural?
"Dice" is plural, and the singular form is "die."
Why is the geometric shape called a Cube?
The term "cube" derives from the Latin "cubus," indicating a three-dimensional square shape.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
