ScienceAugust 23, 2026
orthogonal
or-THOG-uh-nul
Definition
Relating to right angles or, in a mathematical/matrix context, a property where variables or vectors are independent and maintain a specific geometric structure without distortion.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'orthos' (straight or correct) and 'gonia' (angle), the term entered English via late Latin to describe objects or lines that meet at right angles.
In the news
In this article, the researchers monitor the 'orthogonality' of rotation matrices; if this property degrades, the geometric structure of the calculated rotation becomes distorted and physically inconsistent.
Astronomers develop a faster way to simulate the complicated motion of binary asteroids
Read the full article ↗The Brighter Side of News