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REFERENCE

parallel

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈpɛɹəˌɫɛɫ// UK //pˈæɹəlˌɛl// par·al·lel
  1. 1 geometry/lines (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Math

    describing two lines that stay the same distance apart and never touch.

    describing lines or planes that are equidistant at all points and never intersect.

    Example

    The train tracks run parallel to each other for miles.

    Example

    The architect ensured that the support beams remained perfectly parallel to the floor to maintain the structural integrity of the glass ceiling.
  2. 2 similar or matching (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening at the same time or being very similar.

    occurring simultaneously or having a similar development, nature, or tendency.

    Example

    The two countries followed parallel paths toward economic growth.

    Example

    The researchers noted parallel developments in both test groups, despite the different environmental variables introduced at the start of the study.
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  1. 3 computing (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    doing many tasks at the same time using different parts of a computer.

    relating to the simultaneous execution of multiple operations or tasks by a computer system.

    Example

    Parallel processing allows the computer to handle complex graphics quickly.

    Example

    By utilizing parallel computing architectures, the laboratory was able to reduce the data processing time from weeks to mere hours.
  2. 4 a similarity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a way in which two things are similar or can be compared.

    a person or thing that is similar or analogous to another; a comparison that highlights such similarities.

    Example

    It is easy to see a parallel between this movie and the book.

    Example

    Historians often draw a parallel between the fall of the Roman Empire and the decline of modern superpowers.
  3. 5 geography (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Geography

    an imaginary line around the Earth that is parallel to the equator.

    an imaginary circle on the earth's surface that is parallel to the plane of the equator, marking latitude.

    Example

    The 38th parallel is a famous border between North and South Korea.

    Example

    The expedition crossed the 45th parallel, marking the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole.
    • latitude line
  4. 6 to be similar to (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    to be very similar to something else or to happen at the same time.

    to be similar to or to correspond with something; to run in the same direction as something else.

    Example

    The rise in prices parallels the increase in the cost of fuel.

    Example

    The author's personal life often parallels the struggles of the characters in her novels, suggesting a strong autobiographical influence.
Origin

From Middle French parallèle and its etymon Latin parallēlus, parallēlos. The verb is from the noun. By surface analysis, par- + all- + -el.

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