perpendicular

Definition

At or forming a right angle (to something).

Etymology

Derived from Middle French perpendiculaire, from Old French perpendiculer, from Latin perpendiculum (“plumb line”).

Example Sentences

• "In most houses, the walls are perpendicular to the floor."
• "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."
• "Hey, I'm not unsabotaging anything! This is completely perpendicular sabotage!"