Transverse: meaning, definitions and examples

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transverse

 

[ ˈtranzvərs ]

Adjective / Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Situated or extending across something in a direction perpendicular to its length.

Synonyms

crosswise, horizontal, perpendicular

Examples of usage

  • A transverse wave is a wave in which the medium moves at right angles to the direction of the wave
  • The transverse axis of an ellipse is perpendicular to the major axis.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

A transverse section or plane.

Synonyms

cross-section, cut, slice

Examples of usage

  • The MRI showed a clear view of the injury in the transverse section of the spine.
  • The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts.
Context #3 | Verb

physics

To lay or extend across something.

Synonyms

cross, span, traverse

Examples of usage

  • The scientist transversed the laser beam across the surface for testing purposes.
  • The satellite transverses the planet to gather data.

Translations

Translations of the word "transverse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transversal

🇮🇳 अनुप्रस्थ

🇩🇪 quer

🇮🇩 melintang

🇺🇦 поперечний

🇵🇱 poprzeczny

🇯🇵 横断的な (おうだんてきな)

🇫🇷 transversal

🇪🇸 transversal

🇹🇷 enine

🇰🇷 가로의

🇸🇦 مستعرض

🇨🇿 příčný

🇸🇰 priečny

🇨🇳 横向的 (héngxiàng de)

🇸🇮 prečni

🇮🇸 þverskurður

🇰🇿 көлденең

🇬🇪 განსაკუთრებული

🇦🇿 eninə

🇲🇽 transversal

Word origin

The word 'transverse' originated from the Latin word 'transversus', which combines 'trans-' meaning 'across' and 'vertere' meaning 'to turn'. It has been used in various fields such as mathematics, anatomy, and physics to describe something that is situated or extending across in a perpendicular direction.

See also: averse, universe, versed, versify.