Perpendicular

Quick meaning: Perpendicular is an adjective meaning (geometry) At or forming a right angle (to something).

Meaning

(geometry) At or forming a right angle (to something).

More Meanings

1. Exactly upright; extending in a straight line toward the centre of the earth, etc.
2. Independent of or irrelevant to each other; orthogonal.
3. (geometry) A line or plane that is perpendicular to another.
4. A device such as a plumb line that is used in making or marking a perpendicular line.
5. (obsolete, slang) A meal eaten at a tavern bar while standing up.

Example Sentences

In most houses, the walls are perpendicular to the floor.

Hey, I'm not unsabotaging anything! This is completely perpendicular sabotage!

A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place. Applying a force tangential to the knob is essentially equivalent to applying one perpendicular to a radial line defining the lever.

Word Forms

• perpendiculars

Synonyms for perpendicular

Depending on context, synonyms include normal, orthogonal, right, upright, plumb, steep.

Antonyms for perpendicular

Common opposites include oblique, inclined, parallel, horizontal.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include orthogonal, vertical, rectangular, plumb line, plumb, steep.

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