The term zome is used in several related senses. A zome in the
original sense is a building using unusual geometries (different
from the standard house or other building which is essentially
one or a series of rectangular boxes). The word "zome" was
coined in 1968 by Steve Durkee, now known as Nooruddeen Durkee,
combining the words dome and zonohedron. One of the earliest
models ended up as a large climbing structure at the Lama
Foundation. In the second sense as a learning tool or toy,
"Zometool" refers to a model-construction toy manufactured by
Zometool, Inc.. It is sometimes thought of as the ultimate form
of the "ball and stick" construction toy, in form. It appeals to
adults as well as children, and is educational on many levels
(not the least, geometry). Finally, the term "Zome system"
refers to the mathematics underlying the physical construction
system. Both the building and the learning tool are the
brainchildren of inventor/designer Steve Baer, his wife, Holly,
and associates. The Zome as Building