Perpendicular Definition & Meaning

perpendicular
adjective
  1. intersecting at or forming right angles; "the axes are perpendicular to each other"
  2. at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line; "a vertical camera angle"; "the monument consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal slab"; "measure the perpendicular height"
  3. extremely steep; "the great perpendicular face of the cliff"
noun
  1. a straight line at right angles to another line
  2. a Gothic style in 14th and 15th century England; characterized by vertical lines and a four-centered (Tudor) arch and fan vaulting
  3. a cord from which a metal weight is suspended pointing directly to the earth's center of gravity; used to determine the vertical from a given point
  4. an extremely steep face

Synonyms for perpendicular

normal adj

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

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orthogonal adj

not pertinent to the matter under consideration; "an issue extraneous to the debate"; "the price was immaterial

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plumb adv

completely; used as intensifiers; "clean forgot the appointment

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rectangular adj

having four right angles; "a rectangular figure twice as long as it is wide" having a set of mutually perpendicular

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right adv

precisely, exactly; "stand right here!" immediately; "she called right after dinner" exactly

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steep adj

having a sharp inclination; "the steep attic stairs"; "steep cliffs" greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

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upright adj

in a vertical position; not sloping; "an upright post" of moral excellence; "a genuinely good person"; "a just cause

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vertical adj

at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line; "a vertical camera angle

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"Perpendicular" in song lyrics

See how perpendicular is used in real songs:

  • "What is the meaning of lavish? Yo, despite the perpendicular"
    415 — Lavish
  • "As I release the scroll, I spit perpendicular"
    Black Market Militia — Thug Nation
  • "but not quite yet perpendicular"
    Chino XL w/ Ras Kass — Riiiot!

Words that rhyme with perpendicular

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Usage tips for "perpendicular"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "perpendicular" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for perpendicular to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with perpendicular ↔ Synonyms for perpendicular 🔬 Words containing perpendicular

Frequently asked questions

What does perpendicular mean?
intersecting at or forming right angles; "the axes are perpendicular to each other" at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line; "a vertical camera angle"; "the monument consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal slab"; "measure the perpendicular height" extremely steep; "the great perpendicular face of the cliff" a straight line at right angles to another line a Gothic style in 14th and 15th century England
What part of speech is perpendicular?
Perpendicular is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does perpendicular have?
Perpendicular has 7 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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