perpendicular

Etymology

From Middle French perpendiculaire, from Old French perpendiculer, from Latin perpendiculum (“plumb line”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌpɜː.pənˈdɪk.jə.lə(ɹ)/ enPR: pû"pəndĭ'kyələ(r),
• (US) IPA^(key): /pɝ.pɛnˈdɪk.ju.lɚ/, /pɝ.pənˈdɪk.jə.lɚ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

perpendicular (comparative more perpendicular, superlative most perpendicular)

1. (geometry) At or forming a right angle (to).
   • 2012 March 1, Henry Petroski, “Opening Doors”, in American Scientist‎, volume 100, number 2, page 112-3:

     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.

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

Noun

perpendicular (plural perpendiculars)

1. (geometry) A line or plane that is perpendicular to another.
2. A device such as a plumb line that is used in making or marking a perpendicular line.

Etymology

From Late Latin perpendiculāris, from perpendiculum.

Pronunciation

• (Portugal) IPA^(key): /pɨɾ.pẽ.di.ku.ˈlaɾ/
• Hyphenation: per‧pen‧di‧cu‧lar

Adjective

perpendicular (plural perpendiculares, comparable)

1. perpendicular

Noun

perpendicular f (plural perpendiculares)

1. perpendicular

Etymology

From Late Latin perpendiculāris, from perpendiculum.

Adjective

perpendicular (plural perpendiculares)

1. perpendicular