parallel JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ˈpæɹəˌlɛl/ · par·al·lel
noun
- One of a set of lines that are equidistant and never intersect. The two rails of the track are parallel.
- A direction conformable to that of another line. The ship kept a parallel to the shoreline.
- A line of latitude. The 31st parallel passes through the center of my town.
verb
- To construct or place something so that it runs alongside another without intersecting. The architect will parallel the new walkway with the existing garden path.
- Of a path, road, or similar, to run alongside another without meeting. The river parallels the highway for several miles.
- Of a process or situation, to be analogous to another. The rise in housing prices parallels the increase in rental rates.
adjective
- Equally distant from one another at all points. The horizontal lines on my notebook paper are parallel.
- Having the same overall direction; used with "to". The two railway lines are parallel to each other.
- (In hyperbolic geometry) Either not intersecting or coinciding. In hyperbolic space, a pair of parallel lines may either diverge forever or meet at infinity.
adverb
- In a manner that is parallel; with a parallel relationship. The road runs parallel to the canal.
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Did you know? The concept of parallel lines was first rigorously examined by Euclid in his Elements, and the famous 'parallel postulate' remained unproven until the 19th century, giving rise to non‑Euclidean geometries.