Transverse: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used in scientific, technical, or medical contexts to describe something extending across something else.

• The transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower parts.
• A transverse fracture runs across the bone.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe something positioned or laid out at an angle across another object or direction, often at a right angle.

• Cut the fabric crosswise to get a better stretch.
• The logs were placed crosswise to form a barrier.

Used to describe something at a right angle to another object or direction, suitable for technical, geometric, or everyday language.

• The two lines are perpendicular to each other.
• Mount the sign perpendicular to the wall.

Describes something parallel to the horizon, often used in general or geometric contexts.

• Draw a horizontal line across the page.
• The shelves should be perfectly horizontal.

Used when describing something that goes across or perpendicular to a major axis, often in scientific or technical areas.

• The surgeon made a transverse incision across the abdomen.
• The transverse beam supports the roof.

Often used in scientific, technical, and analytical contexts to describe a sample that represents a segment of a whole; it can also denote a physical slice of an object to show its internal structure.

• The cross-section of the tree trunk revealed its age.
• The survey provided a cross-section of the population's opinions.

Typically used to refer to a thin, wide piece of something that has been cut, common in culinary contexts.

• He laid a slice of cheese on the bread.
• She asked for a slice of the cake.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of severing or dividing something with a sharp tool but can also be applied metaphorically or technically.

• She made a cut in the paper.
• He decided to cut ties with the company.
• The director had to cut several scenes from the final edit.

Mainly used in technical or scientific contexts to describe something that lies or extends across something else, usually at a right angle.

• The transverse process is a small bony projection off the right and left side of each vertebra.
• The engineer explained the transverse forces acting on the bridge.

Commonly used in daily conversation to describe moving from one side to another, intersecting, or passing through something.

• She had to cross the street to get to the store.
• The two paths cross in the middle of the forest.

Typically used to describe the extent or reach of something across a particular area or time period.

• The bridge spans the entire river.
• His career spanned over four decades.

Often used in formal contexts to indicate traveling across or through something, especially when the journey is challenging.

• The explorers had to traverse the dense jungle.
• They decided to traverse the mountain range during their hike.