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

And its models say that traffic diversion will increase levels of PM10, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less that harms the hugs and heart and is commonly emitted from vehicles and construction sites.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Cosm, situated between SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, features plush stadium seating and a wraparound screen that’s 87 feet in diameter with 12K resolution that gives the just-opened venue the feel of a scaled-down Las Vegas Sphere.

From Los Angeles Times

Cala Homes says there is no requirement to provide fireblocking around pipework with a diameter of fewer than 40mm in Scotland, that they never received a fire safety report from Nick and had not been granted access to assess the issue.

From BBC

Soccer sought outside help, funding what is reported to be a two-year, $12-million deal with donations from hedge fund billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin, Diameter Capital co-founder Scott Goodwin and others.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• width