Perpendicular: meaning, definitions and examples

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perpendicular

 

[ ˌpɜːr.pənˈdɪk.jə.lər ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

geometry

At an angle of 90 degrees to a given line, plane, or surface.

Synonyms

orthogonal, right-angled, vertical

Examples of usage

  • The two lines are perpendicular to each other.
  • The flagpole stood perpendicular to the ground.
Context #2 | Adverb

mathematics

In a manner that forms a right angle.

Synonyms

orthogonally, vertically

Examples of usage

  • The beam was cut perpendicular to its length.
  • He held the paper perpendicular to the table.

Translations

Translations of the word "perpendicular" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perpendicular

🇮🇳 लंबवत (Lambavat)

🇩🇪 senkrecht

🇮🇩 tegak lurus

🇺🇦 перпендикулярний

🇵🇱 prostopadły

🇯🇵 垂直 (suichoku)

🇫🇷 perpendiculaire

🇪🇸 perpendicular

🇹🇷 dik

🇰🇷 수직의 (sujik-ui)

🇸🇦 عمودي ('amudi)

🇨🇿 kolmý

🇸🇰 kolmý

🇨🇳 垂直的 (chuízhí de)

🇸🇮 pravokoten

🇮🇸 lóðréttur

🇰🇿 перпендикуляр

🇬🇪 პერპენდიკულარული (perpendikularuli)

🇦🇿 perpendikulyar

🇲🇽 perpendicular

Word origin

The word 'perpendicular' originated from the Latin word 'perpendicularis', which is a combination of 'per-' (through) and 'pendere' (to hang). It has been used in geometry since the 14th century to describe angles, lines, or surfaces that are at right angles to each other.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,945 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.