What does "angular" mean?

1. (sharp-cornered) having sharp corners or many straight lines instead of curves. 2. (measured by an angle) relating to the measurement of an angle. 3. (stiff or awkward) moving in a way that is not smooth or graceful; also used for a person who is difficult to get along with. 4. (a jaw bone) a specific bone found in the lower jaw of some animals like birds and fish.

angular

adj. · n.

US //ˈæŋɡjəɫɝ// UK //ˈænɡjʊlɐ// an·gu·lar

1 sharp-cornered (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having sharp corners or many straight lines instead of curves.

possessing or forming clear angles; characterized by sharp corners rather than smooth curves.

Example

The modern building had a very angular design with lots of glass and sharp edges.

Example

The architect's preference for angular structures created a striking contrast against the rolling, organic curves of the surrounding hills.
- rounded
- curved
2 measured by an angle (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Math

relating to the measurement of an angle.

measured by or relating to an angle or the movement around a central point.

Example

The teacher explained how to calculate the angular distance between two stars.

Example

The satellite's angular velocity must be precisely maintained to ensure it remains in a geostationary orbit above the equator.
- linear

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3 stiff or awkward (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Literary

moving in a way that is not smooth or graceful; also used for a person who is difficult to get along with.

lacking grace or smoothness in movement; figuratively used to describe a stiff or prickly personality.

Example

The robot moved with stiff, angular motions that looked very unnatural.

Example

His angular personality made it difficult for him to integrate into the relaxed, collaborative atmosphere of the creative team.
- graceful
- fluid
4 a jaw bone (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

a specific bone found in the lower jaw of some animals like birds and fish.

a dermal bone in the lower jaw of most reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

Example

The scientist examined the angular bone of the fossil to identify the species.

Example

In many non-mammalian vertebrates, the angular is a major structural component of the mandible, situated posteriorly to the dentary.

Origin

From Middle English angular, anguler, from Latin angulāris, from angulus (“angle, corner”). See angle.