CultureAugust 17, 2026

rectilinear

rek-ti-LIN-ee-er

Definition

Characterized by or consisting of straight lines.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'rectus' (straight) and 'linea' (line). It entered English in the 17th century to describe shapes bounded by straight lines.

In the news

The article contrasts the soft, organic curves of the new architecture with the 'rectilinear logic' of traditional modern city buildings, which rely on rigid, straight-edged designs.

Huge, curvy and compelling: take a walk through Shenzhen Bay Culture Square

Read the full article ↗

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