adjective / noun

oblique

uh-BLEEK/əˈbliːk/

Slanting rather than parallel or perpendicular.

The slanting post stands at an oblique angle beside the upright one.

A plain wooden post rises diagonally from level ground beside an upright post, making its oblique, slanting orientation immediately visible.

Etymology

obliqueLatinslanting, sidelong, indirect

Latin obliquus describes something slanting or sidelong: the same departure from a straight line can describe an indirect approach or expression. Its deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

Professor Bob Long - Human Anatomy and Physiology5:00

this line here that runs at an angle is called the oblique fissure that divides the right lung

Professor Long 2402 Lab Bronchial Tree and Lungs

More examples

The narrow path crosses the road at an oblique angle.
An oblique view of the building shows two sides.
Your obliques run diagonally along the sides of your abdomen.

Forms

oblique · obliques · more oblique · most oblique

obliquely adverb — At a slant rather than straight on.

Similar words

diagonal: Often describes a line connecting opposite corners of a shape.
slanted: Describes a tilt without specifying its relation to another line.