In geometry, of lines (according to Euclid in his definition of parallel straight lines), lying in the same plane but never meeting however far they may be produced in either direction; of planes, never meeting however far they may be produced; in modern geometry, intersecting at infinity.Having the same direction, tendency, or course.Continuing a resemblance through many particulars; like; similar; equal in all essential parts: as, a parallel case; parallel passages in the Evangelists.In music: Of two voice-parts, progressing so that the interval between them remains the same.Of tonalities, same as relative.In entorn., parallel-sided: as, parallel elytra,wings, etc.Milit., same as parallels. See II., 5.In music. See motion.n. A line parallel to another line.n. The intersection of a sphere by a plane perpendicular to its axis: such intersections of the terrestrial sphere are parallels of latitude, and are commonly represented on maps by lines drawn to every five or ten degrees (or less distances) between the equator and the poles. See latitude, 4.n. Comparison made by placing things side by side: as, to draw a parallel between two characters.n. A thing equal to or resembling another in all essential particulars; a counterpart.n. Milit., a trench cut in the ground before a fortress, parallel to its defenses, for the purpose of covering the besiegers from the guns of the place.n. In printing, a mark of reference in a printed text, thus ║, used to direct attention to a marginal note or a foot-note.n. In music. See I., 4.To place in a position parallel to something else; make parallel.To make conformable to something else; make the same or closely similar in many or all essential particulars.To match; equal; rival.To show or furnish an equal to, or an equivalent for.To compare.To take a course parallel with.To be like or equal; agree.In archery, having the same diameter throughout its length; cylindrical: said of an arrow.n. In electricity, the connection of two or more electric circuits or pieces of apparatus such that the current divides between them, that is, that they receive or produce the same voltage but different currents. Also called multiple.
