Definition Definition

perpendicular - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'perpendicular' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Perpendicular [ a.]
- Exactly upright or vertical; pointing to the zenith; at right angles to the plane of the horizon; extending in a right line from any point toward the center of the earth.
- At right angles to a given line or surface; as, the line ad is perpendicular to the line bc.
2 . Perpendicular [ n.]
- A line at right angles to the plane of the horizon; a vertical line or direction.
- A line or plane falling at right angles on another line or surface, or making equal angles with it on each side.

Meaning of 'perpendicular' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . perpendicular [ a]
Meaning (1):
- at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line
Example in sentence:
  • a vertical camera angle;
  • measure the perpendicular height;
  • the monument consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal slab
Meaning (2):
- intersecting at or forming right angles
Example in sentence:
  • the axes are perpendicular to each other
3 . perpendicular [ s]
Meaning (3):
- so steep as to be nearly veritcal
Example in sentence:
  • the great perpendicular face of the cliff