Definition of perpendicular

The word "perpendicular" comes from the Latin "perpendicularis," which translates to "hung through" or "set straight down." This phrase was used to describe a vertical line that lies at a right angle, or 90-degree angle, to a horizontal line. In mathematics, the term "perpendicular" is used to describe a line that intersects another line at a right angle, forming a geometric corner or a 90-degree angle. This concept is crucial in fields such as architecture, engineering, and physics, where angles and measurements are necessary to create stable and functional structures. In everyday language, the term "perpendicular" is used less commonly than "vertical" or "straight down," but it still holds meaning, particularly in construcational or engineering contexts. Its origins in Latin emphasize its historical and mathematical relevance, and its continuing usage demonstrates its ongoing importance in modern science and technology.