Parallel — Defs

01 a. Extended in the same direction, and in all parts equally distant; as, parallel lines; parallel planes.

1.
Extended in the same direction, and in all parts equally distant; as, parallel lines; parallel planes.(Geom.)
“Revolutions . . . parallel to the equinoctial.” — Hakluyt.
2.
Having the same direction or tendency; running side by side; being in accordance (with); tending to the same result; -- used with to and with.
“When honor runs parallel with the laws of God and our country, it can not be too much cherished.” — Addison.
3.
Continuing a resemblance through many particulars; applicable in all essential parts; like; similar; as, a parallel case; a parallel passage.

Phrases & compounds

Parallel bar — A rod in a parallel motion which is parallel with the working beam

Parallel circles of a sphere — those circles of the sphere whose planes are parallel to each other.

Parallel columns — two or more passages of reading matter printed side by side, for the purpose of emphasizing the similarity or discrepancy between them.

Parallel forces — forces which act in directions parallel to each other.

Parallel motion — A jointed system of links, rods, or bars, by which the motion of a reciprocating piece, as a piston rod, may be guided, either approximately or exactly in a straight line

Parallel rod — a metal rod that connects the crank pins of two or more driving wheels; -- called also couping rod, in distinction from the connecting rod. See Illust. of Locomotive, in App.

Parallel ruler — an instrument for drawing parallel lines, so constructed as to have the successive positions of the ruling edge parallel to each other; also, one consisting of two movable parts, the opposite edges of which are always parallel.

Parallel sailing — sailing on a parallel of latitude.

Parallel sphere — that position of the sphere in which the circles of daily motion are parallel to the horizon, as to an observer at either pole.

Parallel vise — a vise having jaws so guided as to remain parallel in all positions.

02 n. A line which, throughout its whole extent, is equidistant from another line; a parallel line, a parallel plane, etc.

1.
A line which, throughout its whole extent, is equidistant from another line; a parallel line, a parallel plane, etc.
“Who made the spider parallels design, Sure as De Moivre, without rule or line ?” — Pope.
2.
Direction conformable to that of another line,
“Lines that from their parallel decline.” — Garth.
3.
Conformity continued through many particulars or in all essential points; resemblance; similarity.
“Twixt earthly females and the moon All parallels exactly run.” — Swift.
4.
A comparison made; elaborate tracing of similarity; as, Johnson's parallel between Dryden and Pope.
5.
Anything equal to, or resembling, another in all essential particulars; a counterpart.
“None but thyself can be thy parallel.” — Pope.
6.
One of the imaginary circles on the surface of the earth, parallel to the equator, marking the latitude; also, the corresponding line on a globe or map; as, the counry was divided into North and South at the 38th parallel.(Geog.)
7.
One of a series of long trenches constructed before a besieged fortress, by the besieging force, as a cover for troops supporting the attacking batteries. They are roughly parallel to the line of outer defenses of the fortress.(Mil.)
8.
A character consisting of two parallel vertical lines (thus, ‖) used in the text to direct attention to a similarly marked note in the margin or at the foot of a page.(Print.)
9.
That arrangement of an electrical system in which all positive poles, electrodes, terminals, etc., are joined to one conductor, and all negative poles, etc., to another conductor; -- called also multiple. Opposed to series.(Elec.) Also: multiple

Phrases & compounds

Limiting parallels — See under Limit, v. t.

Parallel of altitude — one of the small circles of the sphere, parallel to the horizon; an almucantar.

Parallel of declination — one of the small circles of the sphere, parallel to the equator.

Parallel of latitude — See def. 6. above.

03 v. t. To place or set so as to be parallel; to place so as to be parallel to, or to conform in direction with, something else.

imp. & p. p. Paralleled; p. pr. & vb. n. Paralleling

1.
To place or set so as to be parallel; to place so as to be parallel to, or to conform in direction with, something else.
“The needle . . . doth parallel and place itself upon the true meridian.” — Sir T. Browne.
2.
Fig.: To make to conform to something else in character, motive, aim, or the like.
“His life is paralleled Even with the stroke and line of his great justice.” — Shak.
3.
To equal; to match; to correspond to.
4.
To produce or adduce as a parallel.[R.]
“My young remembrance can not parallel A fellow to it.” — Shak.

04 v. i. To be parallel; to correspond; to be like.

1.
To be parallel; to correspond; to be like.[Obs.]