Suppose there is a rectangle with corners N,E,S,W, names assigned in a clockwise fashion, as you might expect. N and S are diametrically opposite, as are E and W.
Is there a term that describes points E,W, relative to N,S?
I am told diametrically opposite is not totally correct, perpendicular describes the line connecting the points rather than the pairs of points themselves, and other diagonally-opposite pair is clumsy and dissatisfying. This question is related, but I'm hoping for a term which may be applied arbitrarily (without knowing the orientation of the rectangle, needed for diagonal sinister and dexter) and without referring directly to the cardinal points ("NS-EW," etc.).
Mathematics, like medicine, has nomenclature for every trivial thing (usually in Latin). Surely there must be a term for this, too?
(For clarity's sake, I am looking for a term describing the relationship between the two pairs of points, rather than between the individual points in the remaining pair.)
Best Answer
Consider main and transverse pairs: the 'transverse' pair lying across the diagonal axis described by the 'main' pair. In geometry, 'transverse' seems to apply more to curves and waves than to points on a plane, though, so it may not be fully appropriate.