Definition of parallel
1a : extending in the same direction, everywhere equidistant (see equidistant 1), and not meeting parallel rows of treesb : everywhere equally distant concentric spheres are parallel
2a : having parallel sides a parallel reamerb : being or relating to an electrical circuit having a number of conductors (see conductor d(1)) in parallel (see 2parallel 4b)c : arranged in parallel a parallel processord : relating to or being a connection in a computer system in which the bits of a byte are transmitted over separate channels at the same time a parallel port — compare serial
3a (1) : similar, analogous, or interdependent in tendency or development (2) : exhibiting parallelism in form, function, or development parallel evolutionb : readily compared : companion the marriage rate turned upward … the birth rate entered upon a parallel climb — Oscar Handlinc : having identical syntactical elements in corresponding positions; also : being such an elementd (1) : having the same tonic —used of major and minor keys and scales (2) : keeping the same distance apart in musical pitch (see 4pitch 4b(1))
4 : performed while keeping one's skis parallel parallel turns
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Examples of parallel in a Sentence
the parallel careers of the two movie stars
These two sentences are parallel in structure.
Notice the parallel development of the two technologies.
Origin and Etymology of parallel
Latin parallelus, from Greek parallēlos, from para beside + allēlōn of one another, from allos … allos one … another, from allos other — more at else
Synonym Discussion of parallel
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
parallel
Definition of parallel
1a : a parallel line, curve, or surfaceb : one of the imaginary circles on the surface of the earth paralleling the equator and marking the latitude; also : the corresponding line on a globe or map — see latitude illustrationc : a character ∥ used in printing especially as a reference mark
2a : something equal or similar in all essential particulars : counterpartb : similarity, analogue
3 : a comparison to show resemblance
4a : the state of being physically parallelb : an arrangement of electrical devices in a circuit in which the same potential difference is applied to two or more resistances with each resistance being on a different branch of the circuit — compare seriesc : an arrangement or state that permits several operations or tasks to be performed simultaneously rather than consecutively
in parallel
: in a parallel arrangement
Examples of parallel in a Sentence
These myths have some striking parallels with myths found in cultures around the world.
There are many parallels between the stories.
Most of the United States is south of the 49th parallel.
Origin and Etymology of parallel
see 1parallel
Other Cartography Terms
parallel
Definition of parallel
Examples of parallel in a Sentence
Their test results parallel our own.
Rising prices parallel increasing fuel costs.
Spending is paralleled by an increase in the number of loans given.
The highway parallels the river.
Origin and Etymology of parallel
see 1parallel
parallel
Definition of parallel
: in a parallel manner
Origin and Etymology of parallel
see 1parallel
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
PARALLEL Defined for English Language Learners
parallel
playDefinition of parallel for English Language Learners
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: very similar and often happening at the same time
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computers : designed for a computer system in which very small pieces of information are sent over separate wires at the same time
parallel
Definition of parallel for English Language Learners
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: a way in which things are similar : a shared quality or characteristic
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: something that is equal or similar
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: any one of the imaginary circles on the surface of the Earth that are parallel to the equator and that are shown as lines on maps
parallel
Definition of parallel for English Language Learners
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: to be similar or equal to (something)
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: to happen at the same time as (something) and in a way that is related or connected
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: to be parallel to (something) : to go or extend in the same direction as (something)
PARALLEL Defined for Kids
Definition of parallel for Students
: lying or moving in the same direction but always the same distance apart parallel lines Train tracks are parallel.
Headscratcher for parallel
It's easy to remember that parallel is spelled with two LL's. Just think of parallel as containing parallel lines, which are the two L's.
Definition of parallel for Students
1 : a line or surface that lies at or moves in the same direction as another but is always the same distance from it
2 : one of the imaginary circles on the earth's surface running in the same direction as the equator and marking latitude
3 : a way in which things are similar The parallel between their lives is obvious.
4 : 3equal It is a masterpiece without parallel.
Definition of parallel for Students
paralleled
;paralleling
1 : to move, run, or extend in the same direction with but always at the same distance from A road parallels the river.
2 : to be similar or equal to
Learn More about parallel
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See words that rhyme with parallel Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for parallel Spanish Central: Translation of parallel Nglish: Translation of parallel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of parallel for Arabic speakers
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