rectilinear

or rec·ti·lin·e·al

[ rek-tl-in-ee-er ]

adjective

1. forming a straight line.
2. formed by straight lines.
3. characterized by straight lines.
4. moving in a straight line.

rectilinear

/ ˌrɛktɪˈlɪnɪə /

adjective

1. in, moving in, or characterized by a straight line or lines

   the rectilinear propagation of light

2. consisting of, bounded by, or formed by a straight line or lines

rectilinear

/ rĕk′tə-lĭn′ē-ər /

1. Relating to, consisting of, or moving in a straight line or lines.

Derived Forms

• ˌrectiˈlinearly, adverb

Other Words From

• recti·line·ar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectilinear¹

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

Example Sentences

It shows a boy, not looking where he’s going, head in a book, as he travels from a mostly rectilinear and geometric landscape to a riot of twisted and abstract forms, reminiscent of seas and forest floors and other worlds.

From Time

This truth becomes evident when we consider a map of the United States, with its familiar rectilinear boundaries to the north and south and patchwork of state borders spanning the landmass.

From Outside Online

De Rossi has prepared a map of the principal part of it, divided into fifteen rectilinear and generally rectangular areas.

From Project Gutenberg

Just as the triangle is the simplest rectilinear figure of geometry, so also is it the simplest closed ornamental pattern.

From Project Gutenberg

The largest of these is apparently the occasion of a slight deviation from its otherwise rectilinear course.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief member of the cornice, directly beneath the gutter, by its great projection and rectilinear faces forming the drip.

From Project Gutenberg

But Oughtred had invented also a rectilinear slide rule, a description of which appeared in 1633.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consecutive
• nonstop
• short
• smooth
• solid
• straightforward
• successive
• true