diameter

[ dahy-am-i-ter ]

noun

1. Geometry.
   1. a straight line passing through the center of a circle or sphere and meeting the circumference or surface at each end.
   2. a straight line passing from side to side of any figure or body, through its center.
2. the length of such a line.
3. the width of a circular or cylindrical object.

diameter

/ daɪˈæmɪtə /

noun

1. 1. a straight line connecting the centre of a geometric figure, esp a circle or sphere, with two points on the perimeter or surface
   2. the length of such a line
2. the thickness of something, esp with circular cross section

diameter

/ dī-ăm′ĭ-tər /

1. A straight line segment that passes through the center of a circle or sphere from one side to the other.
2. The length of such a line segment.

diameter

1. A straight line passing through the center of a figure, especially a circle or sphere, and joining two opposite points on its circumference .

Word History and Origins

Origin of diameter¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English diametre, from Old French, from Latin diametros, from Greek diámetros “diagonal, diameter,” from dia- dia- + -metros, derivative of métron meter ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of diameter¹

C14: from Medieval Latin diametrus, variant of Latin diametros, from Greek: diameter, diagonal, from dia- + metron measure

Example Sentences

They obtained data of PM concentrations that were 10 micrometers or less and 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.

From Science Daily

The device — small and light enough to slip easily into my pocket, but strong enough to cut through branches up to a ½-inch diameter — has become my favorite for garden chores.

From Los Angeles Times

The asteroid is approximately 10 meters long, which is tiny in comparison to Earth's moon, which has a diameter of approximately 3,474 kilometers.

From BBC

She added that the current rings - each one measuring 9m in diameter - were too heavy and would be replaced by a lighter version at some point.

From BBC

The stadium has nearly 20 round concrete planters four feet tall and four feet in diameter, which can be moved with forklifts, that might work for a citywide native plant campaign, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• width