Horizontal
/ˌhɔːr.ɪˈzɒn.təl/noun
Positioned or aligned parallel to the horizon; flat or level.
Did you know?The term 'horizontal' originates from the Latin 'horizontem', which means 'the boundary of the earth'—tying it to ancient views of the cosmos and earthly realms.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὁρίζων (horízōn)
“Defining or bounding, referring to the edge between earth and sky.”
Latin
Latin
horizontem
“The boundary or limit of the earth; the dividing line between earth and sky.”
Old French
Old French
horizontal
“Pertaining to the horizon, describing a flat, level line.”
Modern English
English
horizontal
“Describing something that is parallel to the horizon, emphasizing its flatness and alignment with the earth.”
Explore more surprising origins