Parallèle

Parallèle is a term with multiple meanings across different fields. In geometry, a parallel line is a line that lies in the same plane and does not intersect with another line, no matter how far they are extended. This concept is fundamental to Euclidean geometry and forms the basis for many theorems and constructions.

In common language, "parallèle" can refer to a comparison or similarity between two or more things. This comparative usage highlights shared characteristics or analogies. For instance, one might draw a parallel between historical events to understand contemporary issues.

In computing, "parallel processing" involves executing multiple calculations or processes simultaneously. This approach significantly speeds up complex computations by dividing the workload among multiple processors or cores.

The term also appears in music. A parallel key is a key that shares the same tonic as another key but has a different mode (major or minor). For example, C major and C minor are parallel keys.

In astronomy, "parallel" can describe the apparent path of celestial bodies. When observing the sky, stars or planets might appear to move in parallel paths relative to each other.

Across these diverse contexts, the core idea of "parallèle" often involves a relationship of likeness, equivalence, or non-intersecting paths. The specific meaning is determined by the surrounding subject matter.