[ ˌpə:p(ə)n'dɪkjʊlə ]
■ adjective
1》 at an angle of 90° to a given line, plane, or surface.
2》 at an angle of 90° to the ground; vertical.
3》 ( Perpendicular ) denoting the latest stage of English Gothic church architecture, prevalent from the late 14th to mid 16th centuries, characterized by broad arches and elaborate fan vaulting.
■ noun a ~ line.
Derivatives
~ity noun
~ly adverb
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. ~is , from perpendiculum 'plumb line'.