How Do You Spell RECTILINEAR?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈɛktɪlˌɪni͡ə] (IPA)

The word "rectilinear" (pronounced /rɛktɪˈlɪniər/) is spelled as it sounds. "Recti-" derives from the Latin "rectus," meaning straight or direct, and "-linear" means relating to or consisting of lines. Therefore, "rectilinear" refers to something that is formed of straight lines or moving in a straight path. If you break down the phonetic transcription of the word, you can see how each syllable contributes to the overall pronunciation, making it an easily decipherable word.

RECTILINEAR Meaning and Definition

1. Rectilinear is an adjective that refers to something characterized by straight lines or consisting of straight lines. The term comes from the combination of two Latin words: "rectus," meaning "straight," and "linea," meaning "line." Thus, rectilinear describes an object, shape, or path that is made up of or formed by straight lines.

   In geometry, rectilinear is used to describe figures or structures with straight sides and angles, such as rectangles, squares, or straight lines themselves. It implies a lack of curvature or deviation from a straight path.

   Outside of mathematics, rectilinear can also describe any situation, design, or arrangement that adheres to or follows straight lines or paths. For instance, an architect or designer might use the term to describe a building with predominantly straight walls, corridors, and rooms. In photography or visual arts, rectilinear can refer to lenses or perspectives that aim to maintain straight lines without distortion or bending.

   While the term is commonly used in technical or specialized contexts, it can also be used more generally to describe things that are straight, linear, or characterized by straightness. It implies a sense of order, structure, or regularity, as opposed to curves, arcs, or irregular shapes.

2. Consisting of right lines, or bounded by them; straight.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for RECTILINEAR *

• rectalinear 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for RECTILINEAR

• eectilinear
• dectilinear
• fectilinear
• tectilinear
• 5ectilinear
• 4ectilinear
• rwctilinear
• rsctilinear
• rdctilinear
• rrctilinear
• r4ctilinear
• r3ctilinear
• rextilinear
• revtilinear
• reftilinear
• redtilinear
• recrilinear
• retilinear
• recilinear
• rectlinear
• rectilineou
• rectilinial
• rectileneal
• Recitilinear
• Recillinear
• rectiliniar

Etymology of RECTILINEAR

The word "rectilinear" is derived from two Latin roots: "recti" meaning "straight" and "linear" meaning "line". The first known usage of "rectilinear" dates back to the early 17th century, borrowed from Latin "rectilīneus", which derives from "rectus" meaning "straight" and "linea" meaning "line". In modern English, "rectilinear" is used to describe something composed of straight lines or relating to straight lines and their intersections.

Similar spelling words for RECTILINEAR

• rectal vein,
• rectilineal.