parallel
parallel Lexical Profile
parallel Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Extending in the same direction, remaining the same distance apart at every point, and never meeting or intersecting (of lines, planes, or surfaces).
"The railroad tracks consist of two parallel steel rails mounted on wooden ties."
Occurring or existing at the same time or in a closely similar way; corresponding in structure, development, or tendency.
"Two independent research teams conducted parallel studies on the effects of sleep deprivation."
Involving the simultaneous processing of multiple data streams or connected along separate paths so that electric current divides between them (in computing and electronics).
"Modern supercomputers rely on parallel processing to solve complex climate simulations rapidly."
• noun
A person, situation, or event that is very similar to another, or a point of similarity or comparison between two things.
"Historians often draw parallels between the decline of the Roman Empire and modern geopolitical shifts."
Each of the imaginary circles on the Earth's surface running parallel to the equator, used to mark degrees of latitude.
"The border between the two territories was established along the 49th parallel."
A line or surface that extends in the same direction as another and remains equidistant from it at all points.
"Using a ruler and compass, the geometry student drew an exact parallel to the base of the triangle."
• verb
To be similar, corresponding, or analogous to something in development, nature, or structure; to equal or match.
"The protagonist's emotional journey closely parallels the author's own experiences during her youth."
To extend in a direction that is side by side and equidistant from a path, border, or geographical feature.
"The scenic hiking trail parallels the mountain stream for nearly three kilometers before climbing the ridge."
• adverb
In a direction or position that is equidistant at all points from another line or surface; alongside.
"The narrow country road runs parallel to the coastline for several miles."
• Rhymes for parallel
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century via Middle French and Latin from Ancient Greek 'parallēlos' ('side by side'), formed from 'para-' ('beside') and 'allēlōn' ('of one another').