rectilinear

adjective

rec·​ti·​lin·​e·​ar ˌrek-tə-ˈli-nē-ər How to pronounce rectilinear (audio)
1
: moving in or forming a straight line
rectilinear motion
2
: characterized by straight lines
the rectilinear skyline of a modern city
3
rectilinearity noun
rectilinearly adverb

Examples of rectilinear in a Sentence

the rectilinear skyline of a modern city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Up front, its face is a far more rectilinear sneer. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025 The design of the museum has morphed over the years, from a dark, curvaceous amoeba-like form that echoed the nearby La Brea Tar Pits to a design that retains the curves up top but shifts to rectilinear glass on the galleries level below. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 Their curves contrast with the angularity of most spaces and depart from the conventional rectilinear profile of sofas. Dina Cheney, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 The first of those buildings took relatively pure rectilinear forms. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectilinear

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin rectilineus, from Latin rectus + linea line

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectilinear was in 1651

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Cite this Entry

“Rectilinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectilinear. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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