Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
Related Searches
on Ask.com
Browse Nearby Entries
parallel
11 dictionary results for: Parallel
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
par·al·lel       [par-uh-lel, -luhl] Pronunciation Key adjective, noun, verb, -leled, -lel·ing or (especially British) -lelled, -lel·ling.
–adjective
1.extending in the same direction, equidistant at all points, and never converging or diverging: parallel rows of trees.
2.having the same direction, course, nature, or tendency; corresponding; similar; analogous: Canada and the U.S. have many parallel economic interests.
3.Geometry.
a.(of straight lines) lying in the same plane but never meeting no matter how far extended.
b.(of planes) having common perpendiculars.
c.(of a single line, plane, etc.) equidistant from another or others (usually fol. by to or with).
4.Electricity. consisting of or having component parts connected in parallel: a parallel circuit.
5.Music.
a.(of two voice parts) progressing so that the interval between them remains the same.
b.(of a tonality or key) having the same tonic but differing in mode.
6.Computers.
a.of or pertaining to the apparent or actual performance of more than one operation at a time, by the same or different devices (distinguished from serial): Some computer systems join more than one CPU for parallel processing.
b.of or pertaining to the simultaneous transmission or processing of all the parts of a whole, as all the bits of a byte or all the bytes of a computer word (distinguished from serial).
–noun
7.a parallel line or plane.
8.anything parallel or comparable in direction, course, nature, or tendency to something else.
9.Also called parallel of latitude. Geography.
a.an imaginary circle on the earth's surface formed by the intersection of a plane parallel to the plane of the equator, bearing east and west and designated in degrees of latitude north or south of the equator along the arc of any meridian.
b.the line representing this circle on a chart or map.
10.something identical or similar in essential respects; match; counterpart: a case history without a known parallel.
11.correspondence or analogy: These two cases have some parallel with each other.
12.a comparison of things as if regarded side by side.
13.Electricity. an arrangement of the components, as resistances, of a circuit in such a way that all positive terminals are connected to one point and all negative terminals are connected to a second point, the same voltage being applied to each component. Compare series (def. 9).
14.Fortification. a trench cut in the ground before a fortress, parallel to its defenses, for the purpose of covering a besieging force.
15.Printing. a pair of vertical parallel lines (‖) used as a mark for reference.
16.Theater. a trestle for supporting a platform (parallel top).
–verb (used with object)
17.to provide or show a parallel for; match.
18.to go or be in a parallel course, direction, etc., to: The road parallels the river.
19.to form a parallel to; be equivalent to; equal.
20.to show the identity or similarity of; compare.
21.to make parallel.
[Origin: 1540–50; < L parallélus < Gk parállélos side by side, equiv. to par- par- + állélos one another; see allo-, else]

—Related forms
par·al·lel·a·ble, adjective
par·al·lel·less, adjective
par·al·lel·ly, adverb

—Synonyms 2. like, alike. 10. equivalent, equal, mate, duplicate, twin, double.
—Antonyms 2. divergent; unlike; unique. 10. opposite.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
par·al·lel       (pār'ə-lěl')  Pronunciation Key 
adj.  
  1. Being an equal distance apart everywhere: dancers in two parallel rows. See Usage Note at absolute.
  2. Mathematics
    1. Of, relating to, or designating two or more straight coplanar lines that do not intersect.
    2. Of, relating to, or designating two or more planes that do not intersect.
    3. Of, relating to, or designating a line and a plane that do not intersect.
    4. Of, relating to, or designating curves or surfaces everywhere equidistant.
    5. Having comparable parts, analogous aspects, or readily recognized similarities: the parallel lives of two contemporaries.
    6. Having the same tendency or direction: parallel motives and aims.
    7. Moving in the same direction at a fixed interval: parallel motion; parallel fifths.
    8. Having the same tonic. Used of scales and keys: C minor is the parallel minor scale of C major.
    9. Of or relating to the simultaneous transmission of all the bits of a byte over separate wires: a parallel port; a parallel interface.
    10. Of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations: parallel processing.
    1. Having comparable parts, analogous aspects, or readily recognized similarities: the parallel lives of two contemporaries.
    2. Having the same tendency or direction: parallel motives and aims.
    3. Moving in the same direction at a fixed interval: parallel motion; parallel fifths.
    4. Having the same tonic. Used of scales and keys: C minor is the parallel minor scale of C major.
    5. Of or relating to the simultaneous transmission of all the bits of a byte over separate wires: a parallel port; a parallel interface.
    6. Of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations: parallel processing.
  4. Grammar Having identical or equivalent syntactic constructions in corresponding clauses or phrases.
  5. Music
    1. Moving in the same direction at a fixed interval: parallel motion; parallel fifths.
    2. Having the same tonic. Used of scales and keys: C minor is the parallel minor scale of C major.
    3. Of or relating to the simultaneous transmission of all the bits of a byte over separate wires: a parallel port; a parallel interface.
    4. Of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations: parallel processing.
  6. Electronics Denoting a circuit or part of a circuit connected in parallel.
  7. Computer Science
    1. Of or relating to the simultaneous transmission of all the bits of a byte over separate wires: a parallel port; a parallel interface.
    2. Of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations: parallel processing.

adv.   In a parallel relationship or manner: a road and a railway that run parallel.

n.  
  1. Mathematics One of a set of parallel geometric figures, such as lines or planes.
    1. One that closely resembles or is analogous to another: a unique event, without parallel in history.
    2. A comparison indicating likeness; an analogy.
  3. The condition of being parallel; near similarity or exact agreement in particulars; parallelism.
  4. Any of the imaginary lines representing degrees of latitude that encircle the earth parallel to the plane of the equator.
  5. Printing A sign indicating material referred to in a note or reference.
  6. Electronics An arrangement of components in a circuit that splits the current into two or more paths. Used chiefly in the phrase in parallel.

tr.v.   par·al·leled also par·al·lelled, par·al·lel·ing also par·al·lel·ling, par·al·lels also par·al·lels
  1. To make or place parallel to something else: paralleled the ditch to the highway.
  2. To be or extend parallel to: a trail that parallels the crater rim.
  3. To be similar or analogous to: claimed that fetal development parallels the evolution of the species.
  4. To be or provide an equal for; match.
  5. To show to be analogous; compare or liken: critics who have paralleled the novel's plot to an ancient myth.


[Latin parallēlus, from Greek parallēlos : para-, beside; see para-1 + allēlōn, of one another (from allos, other; see al-1 in Indo-European roots).]

(Download Now or Buy the Book)
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
parallel  (adj.)
1549, from M.Fr. parallèle, from L. parallelus, from Gk. parallelos "parallel," from para allelois "beside one another," from para "beside" + allelois "each other," from allos "other" (see alias). The verb is first recorded 1598. Parallel bars as gymnastics apparatus are recorded from 1868.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
parallel

adjective
1. being everywhere equidistant and not intersecting; "parallel lines never converge"; "concentric circles are parallel"; "dancers in two parallel rows" [ant: perpendicular, oblique] 
2. of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations; "parallel processing" 

noun
1. something having the property of being analogous to something else [syn: analogue] 
2. an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator [syn: latitude] 
3. (mathematics) one of a set of parallel geometric figures (parallel lines or planes); "parallels never meet" 

verb
1. be parallel to; "Their roles are paralleled by ours" 
2. make or place parallel to something; "They paralleled the ditch to the highway" 
3. duplicate or match; "The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse" [syn: twin] 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
The American Heritage Science Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
parallel       (pār'ə-lěl')  Pronunciation Key 
Adjective  
Of or relating to lines or surfaces that are separated everywhere from each other by the same distance.

Noun  
Any of the imaginary lines encircling the Earth's surface parallel to the plane of the equator, used to represent degrees of latitude. See illustration at longitude.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
Free On-line Dictionary of Computing - Cite This Source - Share This

parallel
parallel processing

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © 1993-2007 Denis Howe
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Parallel

Par"al*lel\, n. (Elec.) That arrangement of an electrical system in which all positive poles, electrodes, terminals, etc., are joined to one conductor, and all negative poles, etc., to another conductor; -- called also multiple. Opposed to series.

Note: Parts of a system so arranged are said to be in parallel or in multiple.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Parallel

Par"al*lel\, a. [F. parall[`e]le, L. parallelus, fr. Gr. ?; ? beside + ? of one another, fr. ? other, akin to L. alius. See Allien.]

1. (Geom.) Extended in the same direction, and in all parts equally distant; as, parallel lines; parallel planes.

Revolutions . . . parallel to the equinoctial. --Hakluyt.

Note: Curved lines or curved planes are said to be parallel when they are in all parts equally distant.

2. Having the same direction or tendency; running side by side; being in accordance (with); tending to the same result; -- used with to and with.

When honor runs parallel with the laws of God and our country, it can not be too much cherished. --Addison.

3. Continuing a resemblance through many particulars; applicable in all essential parts; like; similar; as, a parallel case; a parallel passage. --Addison.

Parallel bar. (a) (Steam Eng.) A rod in a parallel motion which is parallel with the working beam. (b) One of a pair of bars raised about five feet above the floor or ground, and parallel to each other, -- used for gymnastic exercises.

Parallel circles of a sphere, those circles of the sphere whose planes are parallel to each other.

Parallel columns, or Parallels (Printing), two or more passages of reading matter printed side by side, for the purpose of emphasizing the similarity or discrepancy between them.

Parallel forces (Mech.), forces which act in directions parallel to each other.

Parallel motion. (a) (Mach.) A jointed system of links, rods, or bars, by which the motion of a reciprocating piece, as a piston rod, may be guided, either approximately or exactly in a straight line. --Rankine. (b) (Mus.) The ascending or descending of two or more parts at fixed intervals, as thirds or sixths.

Parallel rod (Locomotive Eng.), a metal rod that connects the crank pins of two or more driving wheels; -- called also couping rod, in distinction from the connecting rod. See Illust. of Locomotive, in App. -- Parallel ruler, an instrument for drawing parallel lines, so constructed as to have the successive positions of the ruling edge parallel to each other; also, one consisting of two movable parts, the opposite edges of which are always parallel.

Parallel sailing (Naut.), sailing on a parallel of latitude.

Parallel sphere (Astron. & Geog.), that position of the sphere in which the circles of daily motion are parallel to the horizon, as to an observer at either pole.

Parallel vise, a vise having jaws so guided as to remain parallel in all positions.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Parallel

Par"al*lel\, n. 1. A line which, throughout its whole extent, is equidistant from another line; a parallel line, a parallel plane, etc.

Who made the spider parallels design, Sure as De Moivre, without rule or line ? --Pope.

2. Direction conformable to that of another line,

Lines that from their parallel decline. --Garth.

3. Conformity continued through many particulars or in all essential points; resemblance; similarity.

Twixt earthly females and the moon All parallels exactly run. --Swift.

4. A comparison made; elaborate tracing of similarity; as, Johnson's parallel between Dryden and Pope.

5. Anything equal to, or resembling, another in all essential particulars; a counterpart.

None but thyself can be thy parallel. --Pope.

6. (Geog.) One of the imaginary circles on the surface of the earth, parallel to the equator, marking the latitude; also, the corresponding line on a globe or map.

7. (Mil.) One of a series of long trenches constructed before a besieged fortress, by the besieging force, as a cover for troops supporting the attacking batteries. They are roughly parallel to the line of outer defenses of the fortress.

8. (Print.) A character consisting of two parallel vertical lines (thus, ||) used in the text to direct attention to a similarly marked note in the margin or at the foot of a page.

Limiting parallels. See under Limit, v. t.

Parallel of altitude (Astron.), one of the small circles of the sphere, parallel to the horizon; an almucantar.

Parallel of declination (Astron.), one of the small circles of the sphere, parallel to the equator.

Parallel of latitude. (a) (Geog.) See def. 6. above. (b) (Astron.) One of the small circles of the sphere, parallel to the ecliptic.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Parallel

Par"al*lel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paralleled; p. pr. & vb. n. Paralleling.]

1. To place or set so as to be parallel; to place so as to be parallel to, or to conform in direction with, something else.

The needle . . . doth parallel and place itself upon the true meridian. --Sir T. Browne.

2. Fig.: To make to conform to something else in character, motive, aim, or the like.

His life is paralleled Even with the stroke and line of his great justice. --Shak.

3. To equal; to match; to correspond to. --Shak.

4. To produce or adduce as a parallel. [R.] --Locke.

My young remembrance can not parallel A fellow to it. --Shak.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Parallel

Par"al*lel\, v. i. To be parallel; to correspond; to be like. [Obs.] --Bacon.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT
Share This:Share This: digg.comShare This: ma.gnolia.comShare This: www.stumbleupon.comShare This: del.icio.usShare This: FacebookShare This: favorites.live.comShare This: www.technorati.comShare This: furl.netShare This: myweb2.search.yahoo.comShare This: www.google.com