/'pærəlel; `pærə,lɛl/
adj
1 (a) (of two or more lines) having the same distance between each other at every point （指至少两条线）平行的
*parallel lines 平行线. =>illus at converge 见converge插图.
(b) [pred 作表语] ~ to/with sth (of a line) having this relationship with another one （指一条线）与另一条线平行
*The road runs parallel with the railway. 该公路与铁路平行.* The road and the railway are parallel to each other. 该公路与铁路相互平行.
2 exactly corresponding; similar 相对应的; 相同的; 类似的
*a parallel case, career, development 相同的事例、职业、发展.

n
1 [C] (also ,parallel `line) line that is parallel to another 平行线.
2 (also ,parallel of `latitude) [C] imaginary line on the earth's surface, or a corresponding line on a map, parallel to and passing through all points the same distance north or south of the equator （地球或地图的）纬线, 纬度圈
*the 49th parallel 第49纬度线.
3 [C, U] person, situation, event, etc that is exactly similar to another 极相似的人、情况、事情等
*a career without parallel in modern times 当代无匹的业迹.
4 [C]
(a) comparison (used esp in the expression shown) 对比, 比较（尤用于以下示例）:draw a parallel between A and B 把A和B相比较.(b) similarity 相似处
*I see parallels between the two cases. 我看这两种情况有相似处.
5 (idm 习语) in parallel (of an electric current) having the negative terminals attached to one conductor and the positive ones to another （指电流）并联. Cf 参看 series 2.

v [Tn esp passive 尤用于被动语态]
1 be equal to (sth); match (sth) 与（某事物）相当, 相匹敌:His performance has never been paralleled. 他的表演举世无匹.
2 be comparable or similar to (sth) 可与（某事物）相比; 与（某事物）相似
*Her experiences parallel mine in many instances. 她的经历多与我的相似.