linear

[ lin-ee-er ]

adjective

1. of, consisting of, or using lines:

   linear design.

2. pertaining to or represented by lines:

   linear dimensions.

3. extended or arranged in a line:

   a linear series.

4. involving measurement in one dimension only; pertaining to length:

   linear measure.

5. of or relating to the characteristics of a work of art in which forms and rhythms are defined chiefly in terms of line.
6. having the form of or resembling a line:

   linear nebulae.

7. progressing logically from step to step; having a regular sequence of stages:

   Such linear thinking can inhibit true innovation and creative exploration.

8. Mathematics.
   1. consisting of, involving, or describable by terms of the first degree.
   2. having the same effect on a sum as on each of the summands:

      a linear operation.

9. Electronics. delivering an output that is directly proportional to the input:

   a linear circuit; a linear amplifier.

10. threadlike; narrow and elongated:

    a linear leaf.

linear

/ ˌlɪnɪˈærɪtɪ; ˈlɪnɪə /

adjective

1. of, in, along, or relating to a line
2. of or relating to length
3. resembling, represented by, or consisting of a line or lines
4. having one dimension
5. designating a style in the arts, esp painting, that obtains its effects through line rather than colour or light and in which the edges of forms and planes are sharply defined Compare painterly
6. maths of or relating to the first degree

   a linear equation

7. narrow and having parallel edges

   a linear leaf

8. electronics
   1. (of a circuit, etc) having an output that is directly proportional to input

      linear amplifier

   2. having components arranged in a line

linear

/ lĭn′ē-ər /

1. Being or resembling a line.

Derived Forms

• ˈlinearly, adverb
• linearity, noun

Other Words From

• lin·e·ar·ly adverb
• non·lin·e·ar adjective
• sub·lin·e·ar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of linear¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin līneāris “of, belonging to lines”; line ¹, -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of linear¹

C17: from Latin līneāris of or by means of lines

Example Sentences

Fox also promised to broadcast all 17 races on linear television in addition to coverage on its Spanish-language cable network, Fox Deportes.

From Los Angeles Times

In terms of linear television, it’s more tent than tentpole, but the canvas is sound; there are no rips developing, no threadbare patches to let the rain in.

From Los Angeles Times

Well, it worked, so those crazy pedestrians and bike riders are back with another citywide referendum on whether they should turn a different street—two miles of the oceanfront Great Highway—into a permanent linear park.

From Slate

The mainstream media then tries to refute these claims using evidence, logic, and linear argument.

From Slate

The machine’s 2,800 dispensers fire roughly 1.2 billion droplets per linear meter of fabric.

From BBC

Related Words

• cramped
• definite
• limited
• precarious
• precise
• slender
• slim
• small
• thin
• tight