non-orthogonal

1 9.0

Not at a right angle and so not fully independent in direction or function

adjective
/nɒnˌɔrˈθɒɡənl/

Specialized

: no ortogonal

Because the vectors are non-orthogonal, they cannot be separated using standard methods.

Examples

The engineer explained that non-orthogonal signals can interfere with each other.
In this experiment, the two axes are non-orthogonal, which affects the results.
The lines are non-orthogonal.
This design is non-orthogonal!
In this experiment, the two axes are non-orthogonal, which affects the results.
The engineer explained that non-orthogonal signals can interfere with each other.
Because the vectors are non-orthogonal, they cannot be separated using standard methods.

Antonyms

orthogonal

Specialized

1 8.6

At right angles to each other like two crossing lines

How Perpendicular

perpendicular

14 5.4

non-orthogonal

Specialized

1 9.0

oblique

6 7.5

parallel

Specialized

65 3.2

Surface Forms

non-orthogonal positive

Morphology

non-orthogonal = orthogonal (transparent) = non + orthogonal

The meaning is a straightforward negation using the productive prefix 'non-' applied to the adjective 'orthogonal'.

Etymology

Non-orthogonal comes from non- meaning 'not' and orthogonal, which breaks into ortho- 'straight', seen in orthodontist, and -gonal 'angle'. So something non-orthogonal is 'not at right angles', which is why lines, directions, or signals that are non-orthogonal are not fully independent and can affect each other.