1 par·al·lel
Pronounced:
/ˈperəˌlɛl/
Function:
adjectiveMeaning:
1 —used to describe lines, paths, etc., that are the same distance apart along their whole length and do not touch at any point ▪ parallel train tracks ▪ A square is made of two sets of parallel lines. ▪ The corn is planted in parallel rows. ▪ The lines are parallel to each other. ▪ The row of trees is parallel with the road. —compare perpendicular
2 : very similar and often happening at the same time ▪ the parallel careers of the two movie stars ▪ These two sentences are parallel in structure. ▪ Notice the parallel development/evolution of the two technologies.
3 computers : designed for a computer system in which very small pieces of information are sent over separate wires at the same time ▪ a parallel cable/connection/port/printer —compare 1serial 4
2 : very similar and often happening at the same time ▪ the parallel careers of the two movie stars ▪ These two sentences are parallel in structure. ▪ Notice the parallel development/evolution of the two technologies.
3 computers : designed for a computer system in which very small pieces of information are sent over separate wires at the same time ▪ a parallel cable/connection/port/printer —compare 1serial 4
—parallel adverb ▪ The sidewalk runs parallel to/with the street.