In
Euclidean geometry, a
parallelogram is a (non self-intersecting)
quadrilateral with two pairs of
parallel sides. The opposite or facing sides of a parallelogram are of equal length and the opposite angles of a parallelogram are of equal measure. The
congruence of opposite sides and opposite angles is a direct consequence of the Euclidean
parallel postulate and neither condition can be proven without appealing to the Euclidean parallel postulate or one of its equivalent formulations. The three-dimensional counterpart of a parallelogram is a
parallelepiped. A quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides is a
trapezoid in American English or a trapezium in British English.