Orthogonality: meaning, definitions and examples

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orthogonality

 

[ ˌɔːrˌθɑːˈɡɑːnəti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The property of being orthogonal, where two vectors are perpendicular to each other.

Synonyms

perpendicularity, right angles

Examples of usage

  • The concept of orthogonality is fundamental in linear algebra.
  • In a Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis and y-axis are orthogonal to each other.
Context #2 | Noun

electronics

The property of signals or components being independent or unrelated.

Synonyms

independence, unrelatedness

Examples of usage

  • In signal processing, orthogonality is used to ensure minimal interference between different channels.
  • Orthogonality is essential in antenna design to prevent signal distortion.
Context #3 | Noun

philosophy

The idea of mutually exclusive or independent concepts or principles.

Synonyms

independence, mutual exclusivity

Examples of usage

  • The philosopher discussed the orthogonality of morality and self-interest.
  • The concept of orthogonality can be applied to various philosophical debates.

Translations

Translations of the word "orthogonality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ortogonalidade

🇮🇳 लंबकोणीयता

🇩🇪 Orthogonalität

🇮🇩 ortogonalitas

🇺🇦 ортогональність

🇵🇱 ortogonalność

🇯🇵 直交性 (ちょっこうせい)

🇫🇷 orthogonalité

🇪🇸 ortogonalidad

🇹🇷 diklik

🇰🇷 직교성

🇸🇦 تعامدية

🇨🇿 ortogonalita

🇸🇰 ortogonalita

🇨🇳 正交性 (zhèngjiāo xìng)

🇸🇮 ortogonalnost

🇮🇸 hornrétt

🇰🇿 ортогоналдылық

🇬🇪 ორთოგონალობა

🇦🇿 ortogonalıq

🇲🇽 ortogonalidad

Etymology

The word 'orthogonality' originated from the Greek word 'orthogōnios', meaning 'right-angled'. It was first used in mathematics to describe the relationship between perpendicular vectors. Over time, the concept of orthogonality expanded to various fields like electronics and philosophy, where it signifies independence, mutual exclusivity, or perpendicularity. The term has become a fundamental concept in different disciplines, emphasizing the importance of distinct and unrelated elements.

See also: orthogonal, orthogonally.