adjective / noun
horizontal
hor-ih-ZAHN-tuhl/ˌhɔːrɪˈzɑːntl/
Extending across the same level rather than rising vertically.
A horizontal shelf runs along the wall above the desk.
Etymology
Horizontal first meant “relating to or near the horizon.” The horizon then served as a reference for orientation, giving the more specific meaning “level, or parallel to the horizon.”
In context
The horizontal and vertical axes of a theodolite must be perpendicular
More examples
- The shirt has wide horizontal stripes.
- The ramp rises slightly above the horizontal.
- Horizontal communication lets coworkers share ideas without going through managers.
Forms
horizontal · horizontals
horizontally adverb — In a level direction or position.