collinear

[ kuh-lin-ee-er, koh- ]

adjective

1. lying in the same straight line.

collinear

/ ˌkɒlɪnɪˈærɪtɪ; kɒˈlɪnɪə /

adjective

1. lying on the same straight line
2. having a common line

collinear

/ kə-lĭn′ē-ər /

1. Sharing a common line, such as two intersecting planes.
2. Lying on the same line, such as a set of points.

Derived Forms

• colˈlinearly, adverb
• collinearity, noun

Other Words From

• col·line·ari·ty noun
• col·line·ar·ly adverb
• noncol·line·ar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of collinear¹

First recorded in 1720–30; col- ¹ + linear

Example Sentences

Because they had to remain obscured by the lamppost, their position had to be collinear with you and the lamppost.

From FiveThirtyEight

Let A, B, C be any three non-collinear points, then four triangles are defined by these points.

From Project Gutenberg

The cross ratio of a range of four collinear points can now be defined as a number characteristic of that range.

From Project Gutenberg

The half-lines r and s are collinear, and together form one complete line.

From Project Gutenberg

The collinear centres are the three sets of one external and two internal centres, and the three external centres.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consecutive
• nonstop
• short
• smooth
• solid
• straightforward
• successive
• true