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rectilinear - 4 dictionary results

rec⋅ti⋅lin⋅e⋅ar

  [rek-tl-in-ee-er]
Use rectilinear in a Sentence
–adjective
1. forming a straight line.
2. formed by straight lines.
3. characterized by straight lines.
4. moving in a straight line.
Also, rec⋅ti⋅lin⋅e⋅al.

Origin:
1650–60; < LL rēctilīne(us) (rēcti- recti- + līne(a) line 1 + -us adj. suffix) + -ar 1

Related forms:
rec⋅ti⋅lin⋅e⋅ar⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rectilinear
rec·ti·lin·e·ar   (rěk'tə-lĭn'ē-ər)   
adj.  Moving in, consisting of, bounded by, or characterized by a straight line or lines: following a rectilinear path; rectilinear patterns in wallpaper.

[From Late Latin rēctilīneus : Latin rēctus, right; see reg- in Indo-European roots + Latin līnea, line; see line1.]
rec'ti·lin'e·ar·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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rectilinear 
"forming a straight line," 1659, from rectiline (1570), from L.L. rectilineus, from rectus "straight" + linea "line."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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rectilinear   (rěk'tə-lĭn'ē-ər)  Pronunciation Key 
Relating to, consisting of, or moving in a straight line or lines.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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