perpendicular Definition
- 1at an angle of 90° to a given line, plane, or surface
- 2upright; vertical
Using perpendicular: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "perpendicular" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The ladder was not perpendicular to the wall.
Example
The flagpole stood perpendicular to the ground.
Example
The tower was built with perpendicular walls.
perpendicular Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for perpendicular
Antonyms for perpendicular
Phrases with perpendicular
a method of parking a vehicle at a right angle to the curb or another parked car
Example
I prefer perpendicular parking because it's easier to get in and out of the space.
a line that divides a line segment into two equal parts at a right angle
Example
The perpendicular bisector of a line segment can be used to construct a right angle.
a flat bone that forms part of the nasal septum and separates the two nostrils
Example
The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone is located in the midline of the skull.
Origins of perpendicular
from Latin 'perpendicularis', from 'perpendiculum' meaning 'plumb line'
Summary: perpendicular in Brief
The term 'perpendicular' [pəˌpɛnˈdɪkjʊlə] describes a line, plane, or surface that is at a 90° angle to a given reference. It can also mean upright or vertical. Examples include 'The ladder was not perpendicular to the wall.' and 'The tower was built with perpendicular walls.' Phrases like 'perpendicular parking' and 'perpendicular bisector' denote specific applications of the concept.
