Dictionary Definition
rectilinear adj : characterized by a straight
line or lines; "rectilinear patterns in wallpaper"; "the
rectilinear propagation of light" [syn: rectilineal]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Adjective
- 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.
Translations
- Italian: rettilineo
Extensive Definition
Rectilinear may refer to:
- Rectilinear polygon, a polygon whose edges meet at right angles
- Rectilinear propagation, a property of waves
- Rectilinear locomotion, a form of animal locomotion
- Rectilinear lens, a lens that renders lines parallel to it straight
- Rectilinear grid, a tessellation of the Euclidean plane
Synonyms, Antonyms and Related Words
arrowlike, dead straight,
direct, even, flat, horizontal, in a line,
level, lineal, linear, rectilineal, right, ruler-straight, smooth, straight, straight-cut,
straight-front, straight-side, streamlined, true, unbending, unbent, unbowed, unbroken, uncurved, undeflected, undeviating, undistorted, uninterrupted, unswerving, unturned, upright, vertical