perpendicular etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "perpendicular" comes from the Latin words "per" (through) and "pendere" (to hang). It originally referred to lines or planes that were at right angles to each other, as if one line were hanging directly from the other.

Origin

The concept of perpendicular lines has been known since ancient times. The Egyptian mathematician Ahmes (c. 1650 BCE) used perpendicular lines to construct right angles in his treatise "The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus." The Greek mathematician Euclid (c. 300 BCE) included a definition of perpendicular lines in his work "Elements," which became a foundational text for geometry.

Modern Usage

In modern usage, perpendicular is used to describe lines, planes, or objects that intersect at right angles. It is commonly used in geometry, engineering, architecture, and other fields where precise measurements and angles are important.

Extended Meanings

Beyond its geometric meaning, perpendicular has also acquired some extended meanings:

• Contrary or incompatible: Something that is perpendicular to another idea or belief.
• Stubborn or unyielding: A person who is resistant to change or compromise.
• Completely unrelated: Two things that have no connection or relevance to each other.

Examples

• The walls of this building are perpendicular to each other.
• The two opinions are perpendicular to each other and cannot be reconciled.
• She was perpendicular in her refusal to cooperate.
• Your question is perpendicular to the topic at hand.

perpendicular relate terms

• perpensity

  Etymology Late Latin perpendere to weigh thoroughly Latin per thoroughly pendere

• perpendicular

  Etymology and Meaning The word perpendicular comes from the Latin words per through

• oblique

  Etymology Origin Latin obliquus slanting transverse Root Proto Indo European lab

• parallel

  Etymology The word parallel comes from the Greek word παράλληλος parállo

• normal

  Etymology The word normal derives from the Latin word normalis which means conformi

• precipice

  Etymology The word precipice is derived from the Latin word praecipitium which means

• martingale

  Etymology The term martingale is derived from the French word martingale which in tu

• derrick

  Etymology The name Derrick is derived from the Dutch or Low German surname Derk whi

• present

  Etymology Present derives from Old French present from Latin praesens being befor

• Gothic

  Etymology The word Gothic derives from the Latin gothus which is derived from the G

• cafe

  Etymology The word café originates from the French word café which in turn comes f

• face

  Etymology The word face comes from the Middle English word face which in turn derive