rectilinear

C2 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˌɹɛktɪˈlɪniɚ/ UK /ˌɹɛktɪˈlɪnɪə/ See IPA manual

Freq #168473

Meanings

1

adj
characterized by a straight line or lines

Rectilinear patterns in wallpaper.
2

adj
In a straight line.

The crankshaft and connecting rods of an engine convert the rectilinear motion of the pistons to rotary motion of the flywheel.
3

adj
Formed from straight lines.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · characterized by a straight... rectilineal

Word family

Derived forms near-rectilinearnonrectilinearrectilinearismrectilinearityrectilinearizationrectilinearizerectilinearlyrectilinearness

Related forms near-rectilinealrectangle rectangularrecti-rectilinealrectilinealityrectilineally

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

rectilinear propagation
the travel or spread of something along straight lines

Adjective + noun

Etymology

From post-Classical Latin; either from rectilīneāris or from rectilīneus (whence rectiline) + -ar, in both cases ultimately deriving from rectus (“straight”) + līnea (“line”).

Topics

Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

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