The AI-powered English dictionary
comparative more perpendicular, superlative most perpendicular
(geometry) At or forming a right angle (to something). quotations examples
A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place. Applying a force tangential to the knob is essentially equivalent to applying one perpendicular to a radial line defining the lever.
2012 March, Henry Petroski, “Opening Doors”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, pages 112–3
Exactly upright; extending in a straight line toward the centre of the earth, etc. examples
Independent of or irrelevant to each other; orthogonal. quotations examples
Hey, I'm not unsabotaging anything! This is completely perpendicular sabotage!
2019 May 31, David M. Willis, “Wrangled”, in Dumbing of Age
plural perpendiculars
(geometry) A line or plane that is perpendicular to another. examples
A device such as a plumb line that is used in making or marking a perpendicular line. examples
(obsolete, slang) A meal eaten at a tavern bar while standing up.