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 transverse stripes on her horn, along with teeth, skull, and height, confirm her age at death was approximately 20 years. —Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 17 Sep. 2024

In front, the design philosophy is similar, with unequal-length control arms and a transverse plastic leaf spring mounted to another large cast-aluminum subframe. —Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023

Noun

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

Its aroma and smoke are said to transverse and communicate between the material world and the world of spirits. —Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 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