1. at a right angle (90 degrees) to a given line, plane, or surface
Usage: geometry; mathematics
2. exactly upright; vertical

1. a perpendicular line or plane
Usage: geometry; mathematics

Examples

• The flagpole stands perpendicular to the ground.
• Draw a line perpendicular to the base of the triangle.
• The wall is perfectly perpendicular to the floor.
• She held the ruler perpendicular to the paper.
• The architect ensured the columns were perpendicular.
• Find the perpendicular that bisects this line segment.
• The cliff face rises perpendicular from the ocean.