perpendicular

[ pur-puhn-dik-yuh-ler ]
/ ˌpɜr pənˈdɪk yə lər /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR perpendicular ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

noun

Origin of perpendicular

1350–1400; < Latin perpendiculāris vertical, equivalent to perpendicul(um) plumb line (see perpend2, -i-, -cule2) + -āris -ar1; replacing Middle English perpendiculer(e) (adj. and adv.) < Old French perpendiculiere

OTHER WORDS FROM perpendicular

Words nearby perpendicular

peroxysulphuric acid, perp, perp walk, perp., perpend, perpendicular, perpent, perpetrate, perpetrator, perpetual, perpetual adoration

Words related to perpendicular

standing, vertical, straight, plumb, upright, horizontal, steep, erect, sheer, stand-up, straight-up

Example sentences from the Web for perpendicular

British Dictionary definitions for perpendicular

perpendicular
/ (ˌpɜːpənˈdɪkjʊlə) /

adjective

Also: normal at right angles to a horizontal plane
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
upright; vertical

noun

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

Derived forms of perpendicular

perpendicularity (ˌpɜːpənˌdɪkjʊˈlærɪtɪ), noun perpendicularly, adverb

Word Origin for perpendicular

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

Scientific definitions for perpendicular

perpendicular
[ pûr′pən-dĭk′yə-lər ]

Adjective

Intersecting at or forming a right angle or right angles.

Noun

A line or plane that is perpendicular to a given line or plane.