A three-dimensional figure formed by combining two or more distinct geometric solids is classified as a composite solid. These individual solids, such as cubes, prisms, cylinders, cones, or spheres, are joined together without overlapping volumes to create a single, more complex form. An example includes a building consisting of a rectangular prism topped with a triangular prism roof.
Understanding these complex shapes is essential in various fields, including architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. Accurate determination of volume, surface area, and other properties is crucial for design, structural analysis, and material estimation. Historical application spans from ancient architectural marvels composed of basic geometric shapes to modern product designs incorporating intricate combinations.