transverse

[ trans-vurs, tranz-; trans-vurs, tranz- ]

adjective

1. lying or extending across or in a cross direction; cross.
2. (of a flute) having a mouth hole in the side of the tube, near its end, across which the player's breath is directed. Compare end-blown.
3. (of an automotive engine) mounted with the crankshaft oriented sideways.

noun

1. something that is transverse.
2. Nautical. web frame.
3. Geometry. transverse axis.
4. a city road that cuts through a park or other area of light traffic; shortcut.

transverse

/ trænzˈvɜːs /

adjective

1. crossing from side to side; athwart; crossways
2. geometry denoting the axis that passes through the foci of a hyperbola
3. (of a flute, etc) held almost at right angles to the player's mouth, so that the breath passes over a hole in the side to create a vibrating air column within the tube of the instrument
4. astronomy another word for tangential

noun

1. a transverse piece or object

Derived Forms

• transˈversely, adverb
• transˈverseness, noun

Other Words From

• trans·versely adverb
• subtrans·verse adjective
• subtrans·versely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of transverse¹

First recorded in 1610–20, transverse is from the Latin word trānsversus going or lying across, athwart. See traverse

Word History and Origins

Origin of transverse¹

C16: from Latin transversus , from transvertere to turn across, from trans- + vertere to turn

Example Sentences

But the Transverse Ranges stand in the way, so the air seeks the path of least resistance through the Cajon and San Gorgonio passes.

From Los Angeles Times

If swooping in to save them sounds dramatic, consider their plight: Once common in the alpine reaches of the southern Sierra Nevada and Transverse mountain ranges, some estimate they’ve disappeared from 99% of their historic range.

From Los Angeles Times

One tabulation of the cost to double the number of buses so fans can better transverse the city on public transit is estimated at upward of $1 billion.

From Los Angeles Times

A relatively stable air mass blows from southwest to northeast over the Transverse Ranges north of L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Watching white swans transverse the tranquil river in front of the theater, Khomik said his portrayal of Lear was meant to convey not only suffering, but also a sense of fortitude.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• across
• cross
• transversal