perpendicular
UK[ˌpɜːpənˈdɪkjʊlə]US[ˌpɜːrpənˈdɪkjələr]
adj
At an angle of 90° to a given line, plane, or surface.
adj
Denoting the latest stage of English Gothic church architecture (14th–17th centuries), characterized by large windows, vertical lines, and elaborate fan vaulting.
n
A straight line at an angle of 90° to a given line, plane, or surface.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
pend
icular
per
thoroughly
pend
hang
icular
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'perpendicular' originates from the Latin perpendicularis, meaning "vertical" or "plumb". This Latin term is built from perpendiculum, a "plumb line", which itself derives from per- (thoroughly) and pendere (to hang). The core logic is that of a plumb line, a weight hung on a string to establish a perfectly vertical, or "thoroughly hanging," reference line. Over time, the meaning expanded from the specific concept of verticality to the more general geometric principle of being at a right angle (90°) to any given line or plane, capturing the essence of absolute, measured orientation.
Analysis
Structure: per (thoroughly) + pend (hang) + icular (adjective suffix)
- per: Latin origin, meaning "through, thoroughly". A prefix indicating intensity or completeness.
- pend: Latin origin, from pendere, meaning "to hang, to weigh". This root is a direct substring.
- icular: Latin-derived adjective suffix (-icularis), forming adjectives meaning "pertaining to" or "characterized by".
Examples
The wall must be perpendicular to the floor for proper support.
The style of the cathedral is a prime example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture.
Draw a perpendicular from the point to the line to find the shortest distance.