Rectilinear

Origin

From post-Classical Latin; either from rectilīneāris or from rectilīneus (whence rectiline) + -ar, in both cases ultimately deriving from rectus ("straight") + līnea ("line").

Full definition of rectilinear

Adjective

1. In a straight line.The crankshaft and connecting rods of an engine convert the rectilinear motion of the pistons to rotary motion of the flywheel.
2. (geometry, arts) Formed from straight lines.

Related terms

• rectangle
• rectangular
• rectilineal
• rectilinearity
• rectilinearly