rectilinear

English

Etymology

From post-Classical Latin; either from rectilīneāris or from rectilīneus (whence rectiline) + -ar, in both cases ultimately deriving from rectus (straight) + līnea (line).

Pronunciation

  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˌɹɛktɪˈlɪniɚ/
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌɹɛktɪˈlɪnɪə/
  • Hyphenation: rec‧ti‧lin‧ear
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Adjective

rectilinear (comparative more rectilinear, superlative most rectilinear)

  1. In a straight line.
    The crankshaft and connecting rods of an engine convert the rectilinear motion of the pistons to rotary motion of the flywheel.
  2. (geometry, art) Formed from straight lines.

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