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.
The solution was to build a small space station, the Gateway, in a higher orbit around the Moon—a near rectilinear halo orbit—that Orion could reach and depart from. Ars Technica, 30 Sep. 2024 The stable but slightly horizontal rectilinear shape hints at landscape while helping to focus the eye. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 After demolishing the rotting rectilinear carport at the front, the residence’s unique shape is now in full view on approach. Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2024 It’s flanked by wiggly Mitzi sconces and rectilinear Knoll nightstands from a consignment shop in the Southern California desert. Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2024 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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Dictionary Entries Near rectilinear

Cite this Entry

“Rectilinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectilinear. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on rectilinear

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