crossword clue perpendicular – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "perpendicular," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions organized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "perpendicular" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ERECT: Standing straight up; vertically oriented.
PLUMB: Exactly vertical, as if measured by a plumb line, indicating perpendicularity to a horizontal plane.
RIGHT: Pertaining to a "right angle," which defines perpendicularity between lines or planes.
7 Letters
UPRIGHT: Standing or pointing vertically; at a right angle to a horizontal base.
8 Letters
VERTICAL: At right angles to a horizontal plane; directly overhead or downward.
10 Letters
ORTHOGONAL: (Geometry) intersecting or lying at right angles; mathematically perpendicular.
More About "perpendicular"
The term "perpendicular" is commonly found in crosswords due to its clear, concise meaning: forming a 90-degree or right angle with another line or surface. This geometric concept is fundamental in various fields, from architecture and construction, where walls must be plumb and square, to physics and engineering, where forces and vectors often act perpendicularly.
In everyday language, "perpendicular" can describe anything standing straight up, such as a flagpole or a person standing tall. Crossword setters love this word because it allows for a range of synonyms and related concepts, providing multiple avenues for clues that test a solver's vocabulary across different contexts.
When you encounter "perpendicular" in a puzzle, consider not only direct synonyms but also words that imply the concept of a right angle or straight-up orientation, such as instruments used to check verticality or terms from mathematics.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the squares in the grid immediately after reading the clue. This instantly narrows down your options for "perpendicular" from a wide range of words to only those of a specific length.
- Consider Context and Field: Crossword clues for "perpendicular" might hint at a specific field. If the puzzle has a scientific theme, look for terms like ORTHOGONAL. If it's more general, common words like VERTICAL or UPRIGHT are more likely.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. Even one letter can significantly help you guess between similar-length answers like ERECT, PLUMB, or RIGHT.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes, the answer isn't a direct synonym but a word or phrase that implies perpendicularity (e.g., related to a "right angle" or a tool that checks verticality).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'perpendicular' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'perpendicular' typically refers to something that is at right angles to another line or surface, like 'vertical' or 'upright'. It's a common geometric term often used to describe orientation.
Are there different types of 'perpendicular' answers?
Yes, answers can range from common adjectives (e.g., ERECT, UPRIGHT, VERTICAL) to more technical terms (e.g., ORTHOGONAL in geometry) or even subtle hints (e.g., RIGHT, implying a 'right angle'). The specific puzzle setter's style often dictates the type of answer expected.
How can I figure out the length of the 'perpendicular' answer?
The length of the answer is determined by the number of squares provided in the crossword grid for that specific clue. Always count the empty squares to know exactly how many letters your answer needs to be. This helps narrow down possibilities significantly.