diameter

noun

di·​am·​e·​ter dī-ˈa-mə-tər 

1

mathematics : a chord (see chord entry 3 sense 2) passing through the center of a figure or body

2

mathematics : the length of a straight line through the center of an object or space

the diameter of a circle

dug a hole nearly four feet in diameter

3

physics : a unit of enlargement used with a number to indicate magnification by a lens or optical system

an object one millimeter wide magnified 40 diameters appears 40 millimeters wide

diametral

dī-ˈa-mə-trəl 

adjective

Examples of diameter in a Sentence

The dotted line indicates the diameter of the circle.

What is the diameter of the tree trunk?

Dig a hole that's two feet deep and three feet in diameter.

Recent Examples on the Web

In Joplin, Missouri, a gust of 79 mph was measured, and hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter fell near Bridge Creek and Amber, Oklahoma, the service said. —Susan Miller, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025

By definition, microplastics are fragments of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2025

The aluminum table falls just under 25 inches in diameter, which is plenty of room for a few cocktails or a lunch spread. —Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025

This mirror measures 24 inches in diameter, and features a rounded wooden frame with white beaded accents that can compliment any room or home aesthetic. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diametre, from Middle French, from Latin diametros, from Greek, from dia- + metron measure — more at measure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for diameter

• parameter
• pentameter

Kids Definition

diameter

noun

di·​am·​e·​ter dī-ˈam-ət-ər 

1

: a straight line passing through the center of a figure or body

especially : a line segment through the center of a circle with its ends on the circle's circumference

2

: the length of a diameter

Medical Definition

diameter

noun

di·​am·​e·​ter dī-ˈam-ət-ər 

1

: a unit of magnification for an optical instrument equal to the number of times the linear dimensions of an object are apparently increased

a microscope magnifying 60 diameters

2

: one of the maximal breadths of a part of the body

the transverse diameter of the inlet of the pelvis