orthogonal

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective not pertinent to the matter under consideration
  2. adjective statistically unrelated
  3. adjective having a set of mutually perpendicular axes; meeting at right angles

Etymology

From Middle French orthogonal, in turn from Medieval Latin orthogōnālis and Latin orthogōnius (“right-angled”), ultimately from Ancient Greek ὀρθογώνιος (orthogṓnios, “rectangular”). By surface analysis, ortho- + -gon + -al.

Synonyms

extraneous, immaterial, impertinent

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