Definition of "parallel" in English

adjective

1. Equally distant from one another at all points.

   • The horizontal lines on my notebook paper are parallel.

2. Having the same overall direction; the comparison is indicated with "to".

   • The two railway lines are parallel.

3. (hyperbolic geometry, said of a pair of lines) Either not intersecting, or coinciding.

4. (computing) Involving the processing of multiple tasks at the same time.

   • a parallel algorithm

5. (figuratively) Analogous, similar, comparable.

   • the parallel lives of two citizens

6. (science fiction, of realities, dimensions, timelines, etc.) Coexisting but normally not interacting with the regular reality.

   • parallel universe

adverb

1. With a parallel relationship.

   • The road runs parallel to the canal.

noun

1. One of a set of parallel lines.

2. Direction conformable to that of another line.

3. (geography) A line of latitude.

   • The 31st parallel passes through the center of my town.

4. An arrangement of electrical components such that a current flows along two or more paths; see in parallel.

5. Something identical or similar in essential respects.

6. A comparison made; elaborate tracing of similarity.

   • Johnson's parallel between Dryden and Pope

7. (military) 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.

8. (printing) A character consisting of two parallel vertical lines, used in the text to direct attention to a similarly marked note in the margin or at the foot of a page.

verb

1. To construct or place something parallel to something else.

2. Of a path etc: To be parallel to something else.

3. Of a process etc: To be analogous to something else.

4. To compare or liken something to something else.

5. To make to conform to something else in character, motive, aim, etc.

6. To equal; to match; to correspond to.

7. To produce or adduce as a parallel.