Perpendicular

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ËŒpɜː.pÉ™nˈdɪk.jÉ™.lÉ™(ɹ)/ enPR: pû"pÉ™ndÄ­'kyÉ™lÉ™(r),
• US IPA: /pɝ.pÉ›nˈdɪk.ju.lɝ/, /pɝ.pÉ™nˈdɪk.jÉ™.lɝ/

Origin

Latin perpendiculum ("plumb line").

Adjective

1. (geometry) At or forming a right angle (to).
• 2012-03, Henry Petroski, Opening Doors, A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place. Applying a force tangential to the knob is essentially equivalent to applying one perpendicular to a radial line defining the lever.
2. In most houses, the walls are perpendicular to the floor.

Synonyms

• evendown
• normal
• orthogonal

Full definition of perpendicular

Noun

1. (geometry) A line or plane that is perpendicular to another.
2. A device such as a plumb line that is used in making or marking a perpendicular line.