rectilinear
adjUS /ˌɹɛktɪˈlɪniɚ/ · UK /ˌɹɛktɪˈlɪnɪə/
Etymology From post-Classical Latin; either from rectilīneāris or from rectilīneus (whence rectiline) + -ar, in both cases ultimately deriving from rectus (“straight”) + līnea (“line”).
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
Art, Arts, Geometry, Mathematics, Sciences Formed from straight lines.
- Derived terms
- near-rectilinear, near-rectilinear halo orbit, near-rectilinear orbit, nonrectilinear, rectilinearism, rectilinearity, rectilinearization, rectilinearize, rectilinearly, rectilinearness, rectilinear orbit
- Related terms
- near-rectilineal, near-rectilineal halo orbit, near-rectilineal orbit, rectangle, rectangular, recti-, rectilineal, rectilineality, rectilineally, rectilineal orbit
- Coordinate terms
- circular, pentangular, quadrangular, triangular