oblique meaning and definition

OBLIQUE noun

Definition of oblique (noun)

1. any grammatical case other than the nominative
   • synonyms: oblique case
   • antonym: nominative
2. a diagonally arranged abdominal muscle on either side of the torso
   • synonyms: abdominal external oblique muscle, external oblique muscle, musculus obliquus externus abdominis

OBLIQUE adjective

Definition of oblique (adjective)

1. slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled
   • "the oblique rays of the winter sun"; "acute and obtuse angles are oblique angles"; "the axis of an oblique cone is not perpendicular to its base"
   • antonym: parallel
2. indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading
   • "used devious means to achieve success"; "gave oblique answers to direct questions"; "oblique political maneuvers"
   • synonyms: devious