Parallel Definition

părə-lĕl

paralleled, paralleling, parallelled, parallelling, parallels

adjective

Being an equal distance apart everywhere.

Dancers in two parallel rows.

American Heritage

Having parallel parts or movements, as some machines, tools, etc.

Webster's New World

Of, relating to, or designating two or more straight coplanar lines that do not intersect.

American Heritage

Of, relating to, or designating two or more planes that do not intersect.

American Heritage

Extending in the same direction and at the same distance apart at every point, so as never to meet, as lines, planes, etc.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

adverb

In a parallel manner.

Webster's New World

noun

parallels

Something parallel to something else, as a line or surface.

Webster's New World

Any person or thing essentially the same as, or closely corresponding to, another; counterpart.

Webster's New World

The condition of being parallel; conformity in essential points.

Webster's New World

Any comparison showing the existence of similarity or likeness.

Webster's New World

Any of the imaginary lines parallel to the equator and representing degrees of latitude on the earth's surface.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

verb

paralleled, paralleling, parallelled, parallelling, parallels

To make (one thing) parallel to another.

Webster's New World

To make parallel to each other.

Webster's New World

To be parallel with; extend parallel to.

A road that parallels the river.

Webster's New World

To be similar or analogous to.

Claimed that fetal development parallels the evolution of the species.

American Heritage

To compare (things, ideas, etc.) in order to show similarity or likeness.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Other Word Forms of Parallel

Noun

Singular:

parallel

Plural:

parallels

Origin of Parallel

Latin parallēlus from Greek parallēlos para- beside para–¹ allēlōn of one another (from allos other al-¹ in Indo-European roots)

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Ancient Greek παράλληλος (parallēlos), from παρά + ἄλληλος, along each other

From Wiktionary