The term perpendicular describes a pair of lines or planes that intersect each other at a 90 degree angle. … In science and engineering, a line perpendicular to another line or a plane is often referred to as being normal to the plane, or simply called the surface normal.
In this regard, does perpendicular mean vertical?
Vertical is a term that means perpendicular to a horizontal plane; it only applies when a horizontal plane has already been defined or implied. Perpendicular is a more general term for two intersecting lines that subtend an angle of 90 degrees.
People also ask, what does perpendicular mean simple definition?
Definition of perpendicular
(Entry 1 of 2) 1a : standing at right angles to the plane of the horizon : exactly upright. b : being at right angles to a given line or plane. 2 : extremely steep : precipitous.
What is the another name for perpendicular?
Frequently Asked Questions About perpendicular
The words plumb and vertical are common synonyms of perpendicular. While all three words mean “being at right angles to a base line,” perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one.
What is the difference between perpendicular and orthogonal?
Orthogonality is a concept that arises in the context of an inner product on a vector space. Two vectors are orthogonal if their inner product is 0. Perpendicular generally means when’s two lines are at right angles to each other.
What is the meaning of parallel in science?
Definition of parallel (Entry 2 of 4) 1a : a parallel line, curve, or surface. b : one of the imaginary circles on the surface of the earth paralleling the equator and marking the latitude also : the corresponding line on a globe or map — see latitude illustration.
What’s an antonym for perpendicular?
What is the opposite of perpendicular?
| flat | horizontal |
|---|---|
| recumbent | dishonest |
| level | parallel |
| prone | prostrate |
| reclining | procumbent |