perpendicular
Perpendicular (adjective) means meeting another line or surface at a right angle (90 degrees). Example: “Make sure the fence post is perpendicular to the ground before you set the concrete.”
How to use perpendicular
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAt a right angle to something, or simply standing straight up.
Word forms
more perpendicular comparative, more Perpendicular comparative, perpendiculars plural, most perpendicular superlative, most Perpendicular superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Make sure the fence post is _____ to the ground before you set the concrete.
Etymology
From Latin perpendiculum, "a plumb line," the weighted string builders used to check for a true vertical.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for perpendicular
See all rhymes for perpendicular →Frequently asked questions
What does “perpendicular” mean?
The word “perpendicular” means meeting another line or surface at a right angle (90 degrees). In plain terms, at a right angle to something, or simply standing straight up.
How do you pronounce “perpendicular”?
“Perpendicular” is pronounced pur-puhn-DIHK-yuh-luh (/ˌpɝ.pənˈdɪk.ju.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “perpendicular” in a sentence?
Here is “perpendicular” used in a sentence: “Make sure the fence post is perpendicular to the ground before you set the concrete.”
What part of speech is “perpendicular”?
Depending on how it is used, “perpendicular” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “perpendicular” come from?
The word “perpendicular” comes from Latin. From Latin perpendiculum, "a plumb line," the weighted string builders used to check for a true vertical.
Is “perpendicular” a common word?
“Perpendicular” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “perpendicular” have?
“Perpendicular” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: meeting another line or surface at a right angle (90 degrees).