Rectangular

/rɛkˈtæŋɡjələr/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Having the shape of a rectangle; characterized by opposite sides being equal in length and four right angles.
The room was designed with a rectangular layout that maximized floor space.
Relating to or resembling a rectangle.
She chose a rectangular table for the dining area to complement the room's shape.
In mathematics, pertaining to figures or coordinates that are defined in terms of a rectangle.
The architect used a rectangular coordinate system to design the building.
Rectangular can also describe an object that has a length greater than its width.
He filled the rectangular box with books before moving.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'rectangulus', from 'rectus' meaning 'right' and 'angulus' meaning 'angle'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

rectangular prism:
A three-dimensional shape with six rectangular faces.
rectangular coordinates:
A coordinate system that defines a point in space with respect to right angles.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Boxed in or confined in a rectangular space.
His ideas seemed a bit too rectangular for my taste.
Describing something that is overly conventional or straightforward.
That plan sounds very rectangular; let’s think outside the box.