Orthogonality refers to the concept of two vectors being perpendicular to each other in a geometric space. In a two-dimensional plane, this means that if one vector points straight up, the other points straight to the side, forming a right angle. This property is essential in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and engineering, as it helps simplify calculations and understand relationships between different dimensions. In addition to geometry, orthogonality can also apply to functions and signals in signal processing. Two functions are considered orthogonal if their inner product equals zero, indicating that they do not influence each other. This principle is crucial in areas like Fourier analysis, where orthogonal functions help decompose complex signals into simpler components.