horizontal

views updated Jun 11 2018

hor·i·zon·tal / ˌhôrəˈzän(t)l/ • adj. 1. parallel to the plane of the horizon; at right angles to the vertical: a horizontal line. ∎  (of machinery) having its parts working in a horizontal direction: a horizontal steam engine.2. combining companies engaged in the same stage or type of production: a horizontal merger. ∎  involving social groups of equal status: horizontal class loyalties.3. of or at the horizon: the horizontal moon.• n. a horizontal line, plane, etc.DERIVATIVES: hor·i·zon·tal·i·ty / -ˌzänˈtalitē/ n.hor·i·zon·tal·ly adv.