perpendicular meaning and definition

PERPENDICULAR noun

Definition of perpendicular (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
   • synonyms: English-Gothic, English-Gothic architecture, perpendicular style
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
   • synonyms: plumb line
4. an extremely steep face

PERPENDICULAR adjective

Definition of perpendicular (adjective)

1. intersecting at or forming right angles
   • "the axes are perpendicular to each other"
   • antonym: oblique
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"
   • synonyms: vertical
   • antonym: inclined
3. extremely steep
   • "the great perpendicular face of the cliff"