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View synonyms for rectilinear

rectilinear

or rec·ti·lin·e·al

[ rek-tl-in-ee-er ]

adjective

  1. forming a straight line.
  2. formed by straight lines.
  3. characterized by straight lines.
  4. moving in a straight line.


rectilinear

/ ˌrɛktɪˈlɪnɪə /

adjective

  1. in, moving in, or characterized by a straight line or lines

    the rectilinear propagation of light

  2. consisting of, bounded by, or formed by a straight line or lines
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


rectilinear

/ rĕk′tə-lĭnē-ər /

  1. Relating to, consisting of, or moving in a straight line or lines.


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Derived Forms

  • ˌrectiˈlinearly, adverb
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Other Words From

  • recti·line·ar·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of rectilinear1

1650–60; < Late Latin rēctilīne ( us ) ( rēcti- recti- + līne ( a ) line 1 + -us adj. suffix) + -ar 1
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Example Sentences

It shows a boy, not looking where he’s going, head in a book, as he travels from a mostly rectilinear and geometric landscape to a riot of twisted and abstract forms, reminiscent of seas and forest floors and other worlds.

From Time

This truth becomes evident when we consider a map of the United States, with its familiar rectilinear boundaries to the north and south and patchwork of state borders spanning the landmass.

De Rossi has prepared a map of the principal part of it, divided into fifteen rectilinear and generally rectangular areas.

Just as the triangle is the simplest rectilinear figure of geometry, so also is it the simplest closed ornamental pattern.

The largest of these is apparently the occasion of a slight deviation from its otherwise rectilinear course.

The chief member of the cornice, directly beneath the gutter, by its great projection and rectilinear faces forming the drip.

But Oughtred had invented also a rectilinear slide rule, a description of which appeared in 1633.

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