Definition of rectilinear
1 : moving in or forming a straight line rectilinear motion
2 : characterized by straight lines the rectilinear skyline of a modern city
3 : perpendicular 3
rectilinearly
adverbIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
rectilinear was our Word of the Day on 09/27/2010. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of rectilinear in a Sentence
the rectilinear skyline of a modern city
Recent Examples of rectilinear from the Web
-
There are signs of Hans Hofmann’s push-pull forms and rectilinear compositions reminiscent of Myron Stout and Burgoyne Diller.
-
When rating photos in a circle-themed mission, the buttons are circular, while the square mission has a rectilinear motif.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rectilinear'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of rectilinear
Late Latin rectilineus, from Latin rectus + linea line
First Known Use: 1651
RECTILINEAR Defined for English Language Learners
rectilinear
playDefinition of rectilinear for English Language Learners
-
: made with straight lines : having many straight lines
Learn More about rectilinear
-
Britannica English: Translation of rectilinear for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up rectilinear? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!