planar
- 01 C1 Advanced
describing a surface that is flat or exists in only two dimensions.
relating to or lying in a plane; two-dimensional in nature.
Simple“The artist preferred working on a planar surface rather than using curved canvases.”
In context“The architect emphasized the planar qualities of the building's facade, using flat stone panels to create a sense of geometric simplicity.”
UsageUsually precedes the noun it modifies.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
describing a shape or network that can be drawn on a flat surface without any lines crossing each other.
capable of being represented in a plane without any edges intersecting.
Simple“The students had to determine if the complex network diagram was planar.”
In context“In graph theory, a graph is considered planar if it can be embedded in the plane such that no two edges cross one another.”
UsageCommonly used in the context of graph theory and topology.
Antonymsnon planar - 03 C2 Proficiency
a way of making computer chips where all the parts are built on one flat layer.
relating to a manufacturing process where components are created on a single flat surface of a semiconductor.
Simple“The invention of the planar process changed how engineers designed modern microchips.”
In context“The transition to planar technology allowed for the mass production of integrated circuits by enabling multiple transistors to be fabricated on a single silicon wafer.”
From Late Latin plānārius (“relating to a plane”), derived from Latin plānus (“flat”, “level”), equivalent to plane + -ar, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂- (“flat”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.