English Dictionary

Definition of “perpendicular”

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perpendicular (ˌpɜːpənˈdɪkjʊləPronunciation for perpendicular) 

Definitions

adjective

  1.  Also normalat right angles to a horizontal plane
  2. denoting, relating to, or having the style of Gothic architecture used in England during the 14th and 15th centuries, characterized by tracery having vertical lines, a four-centred arch, and fan vaulting
  3. upright; vertical

noun

  1. geometry a line or plane perpendicular to another
  2. any instrument used for indicating the vertical line through a given point
  3. mountaineering a nearly vertical face

Alternative Forms

perpendicularity (ˌpɜːpənˌdɪkjʊˈlærɪtɪPronunciation for perpendicularity)  noun ˌperpenˈdicularly adverb

Word Origin

C14: from Latin perpendiculāris,  from perpendiculum  a plumb line, from per-  through + pendēre to hang

Usage examples

  • The minutely balanced works, the gnomon fitted to the perpendicular plane, would be far beyond their grasp.
    Fidelis Morgan, THE RIVAL QUEENS: A Countess Ashby de la Zouche Mystery (2002)
  • This, Grady believes, arises as we are carried along the fourth space dimension, perpendicular to the phase boundary.
    New Scientist (1999)
  • We are talking creamy walnut whips and glittering vertical spirals and bouncing, fuchsia feathers and perpendicular ostrich plumes.
    Independent (1999)
  • They sit at odds with the general attitude of the rocks -- a perpendicular injection through the layered skin of the volcano.
    Richard Fortey, THE EARTH: An Intimate History (2004)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'P'

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