orthogonal

Definition

Of two objects, at right angles; perpendicular to each other.

Etymology

From Middle French orthogonal, in turn from Medieval Latin orthogōnālis and Latin orthogōnius (“right-angled”), ultimately from Ancient Greek ὀρθογώνιος (orthogṓnios, “rectangular”). By surface analysis, ortho- + -gon + -al.

Example Sentences

• "A chord and the radius that bisects it are orthogonal."
• "The normal vector and tangent vector at a given point are orthogonal."
• "The content of the message should be orthogonal to the means of its delivery."

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