Rectilinear: meaning, definitions and examples

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rectilinear

 

[ ˌrek.təˈlɪn.i.ər ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

geometry

Characterized by straight lines; having straight lines and angles; straight-edged.

Synonyms

angular, geometric, linear, straight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rectilinear

Use this term to describe shapes or movements that are composed of straight lines. Often used in a technical or scientific context.

  • The robot follows a rectilinear path.
  • The building has a rectilinear design with clean, sharp edges.
linear

Use this term in situations where you want to convey that something progresses in a straight line or in a sequential manner.

  • The plot of the book followed a linear pathway.
  • In mathematics, a linear equation represents a straight line on a graph.
straight

This word is commonly used to describe something without curves or bends, or to imply honesty and directness.

  • He drew a straight line across the page.
  • You need to be straight with me and tell the truth.
angular

This word is best used when emphasizing sharp corners or edges, or to describe a person with pronounced bone structure.

  • The angular shape of the sculpture gave it a modern, edgy appearance.
  • His angular face made him look striking and unique.
geometric

This term is suitable for describing anything that relates to basic shapes or patterns in geometry, often used in art, design and mathematics.

  • The painting featured a striking geometric pattern.
  • Geometric figures are a fundamental part of mathematics education.

Examples of usage

  • The architect designed a rectilinear building with sharp angles.
  • The rectilinear shape of the room made it easy to arrange the furniture.
  • The city was planned with rectilinear streets intersecting at right angles.

Translations

Translations of the word "rectilinear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retilíneo

🇮🇳 सीधी रेखा वाला

🇩🇪 geradlinig

🇮🇩 bergerak lurus

🇺🇦 прямолінійний

🇵🇱 prostoliniowy

🇯🇵 直線的 (ちょくせんてき)

🇫🇷 rectiligne

🇪🇸 rectilíneo

🇹🇷 doğrusal

🇰🇷 직선의

🇸🇦 مستقيم

🇨🇿 přímočarý

🇸🇰 priamočiary

🇨🇳 直线的 (zhíxiàn de)

🇸🇮 premočen

🇮🇸 beinn

🇰🇿 түзу сызықты

🇬🇪 მართობული

🇦🇿 düzxətli

🇲🇽 rectilíneo

Etymology

The word 'rectilinear' originated in the mid 17th century, from the Latin words 'rectus' meaning straight and 'linearis' meaning pertaining to a line. It has been used in geometry and architecture to describe shapes and structures that are characterized by straight lines and angles.

See also: delineate, line, lineage, lineal, linear, lineated, lined, linen, lines, lineup, lining, online, outline, underline, underlining.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,016, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.