complementary

C1 · Advanced Science Technical

adj. describing how parts of DNA or RNA fit together perfectly like a puzzle.

adj. relating to the specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA molecules.

“In DNA, the base adenine is always complementary to thymine.”

“The double-helix structure relies on complementary base pairing to ensure that genetic information is copied accurately during replication.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. one of two colours that look very different but look good together, like red and green.

n. one of a pair of primary or secondary colours that, when combined, create a neutral colour like grey or white.

“She chose orange as a complementary to the blue walls of the room.”

“The artist used a vibrant purple as a complementary to the yellow highlights, creating a sense of visual tension in the portrait.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical

n. an angle that, when added to another angle, makes exactly 90 degrees.

n. an angle that adds with another to equal 90 degrees or a right angle.

“If one angle is 30 degrees, its complementary is 60 degrees.”

“The architect calculated the complementary of the roof's pitch to ensure the support beams met at a perfect right angle.”