English Dictionary: parallels | by the DICT Development Group |
1 result for parallels | |
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Parallel \Par"al*lel\, a. [F. parall[8a]le, L. parallelus, fr. Gr. [?]; [?] beside + [?] of one another, fr. [?] other, akin to L. alius. See {Allien}.] 1. (Geom.) Extended in the same direction, and in all parts equally distant; as, parallel lines; parallel planes. Revolutions . . . parallel to the equinoctial. --Hakluyt. Note: Curved lines or curved planes are said to be parallel when they are in all parts equally distant. 2. Having the same direction or tendency; running side by side; being in accordance (with); tending to the same result; -- used with to and with. When honor runs parallel with the laws of God and our country, it can not be too much cherished. --Addison. 3. Continuing a resemblance through many particulars; applicable in all essential parts; like; similar; as, a parallel case; a parallel passage. --Addison. {Parallel bar}. (a) (Steam Eng.) A rod in a parallel motion which is parallel with the working beam. (b) One of a pair of bars raised about five feet above the floor or ground, and parallel to each other, -- used for gymnastic exercises. {Parallel circles of a sphere}, those circles of the sphere whose planes are parallel to each other. {Parallel columns}, [or] {Parallels} (Printing), two or more passages of reading matter printed side by side, for the purpose of emphasizing the similarity or discrepancy between them. {Parallel forces} (Mech.), forces which act in directions parallel to each other. {Parallel motion}. (a) (Mach.) A jointed system of links, rods, or bars, by which the motion of a reciprocating piece, as a piston rod, may be guided, either approximately or exactly in a straight line. --Rankine. (b) (Mus.) The ascending or descending of two or more parts at fixed intervals, as thirds or sixths. {Parallel rod} (Locomotive Eng.), a metal rod that connects the crank pins of two or more driving wheels; -- called also {couping rod}, in distinction from the connecting rod. See Illust. of {Locomotive}, in App. -- {Parallel ruler}, an instrument for drawing parallel lines, so constructed as to have the successive positions of the ruling edge parallel to each other; also, one consisting of two movable parts, the opposite edges of which are always parallel. {Parallel sailing} (Naut.), sailing on a parallel of latitude. {Parallel sphere} (Astron. & Geog.), that position of the sphere in which the circles of daily motion are parallel to the horizon, as to an observer at either pole. {Parallel vise}, a vise having jaws so guided as to remain parallel in all positions. |