transverse

1 of 2

adjective

trans·​verse tran(t)s-ˈvərs 

tranz-ˈvərs,

ˈtran(t)s-ˌvərs  ˈtranz-ˌvərs 

1

: acting, lying, or being across : set crosswise

2

: made at right angles to the long axis of the body

a transverse section

transversely adverb

transverse

2 of 2

noun

trans·​verse ˈtran(t)s-ˌvərs  ˈtranz- 

: something (such as a piece, section, or part) that is transverse

Examples of transverse in a Sentence

Adjective

The surgeon made a transverse incision across her abdomen.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The wheelbase was stretched out, enabling the engine to rotate 90º from the 308’s transverse layout to a longitudinal one. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024

Beau’s lines are transverse grooves in the nail, says Azzawi. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024

Noun

Dumbbell Russian Twist What this move does: Works rotation and anti-rotation patterns; challenges obliques and transverse abdominis How to do it: Sit on a mat with bent knees and hold a dumbbell at your torso with bent elbows. —Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 25 Oct. 2024

This transverse section of the stem of bracken fern could be a cartoonist’s impression of a talking...stem of bracken fern. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin transversus, from trans- + -versus (as in adversus adverse)

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing transverse

• transverse colon
• transverse process
• transverse wave

Kids Definition

transverse

adjective

trans·​verse

tran(t)s-ˈvərs,

tranz-;

ˈtran(t)s-ˌvərs,

ˈtranz-

: lying or being across : set crosswise

transverse beams supporting the floor

transversely adverb

Medical Definition

transverse

adjective

trans·​verse tran(t)s-ˈvərs  tranz- 

ˈtran(t)s-ˌ,

ˈtranz-ˌ

1

: acting, lying, or being across : set crosswise

2

: made at right angles to the long axis of the body

a transverse section

transversely adverb