diagram

¹di·a·gram

noun \ˈdī-ə-ˌgram\

Definition of DIAGRAM

1

: a graphic design that explains rather than represents; especially : a drawing that shows arrangement and relations (as of parts)

2

: a line drawing made for mathematical or scientific purposes

— di·a·gram·ma·ble \-ˌgra-mə-bəl\ adjective

— di·a·gram·mat·ic \ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈma-tik\ also di·a·gram·mat·i·cal \-ˈma-ti-kəl\ adjective

— di·a·gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of DIAGRAM

1. a diagram of the nervous system
2. This diagram shows how the clock operates.

Origin of DIAGRAM

Greek diagramma, from diagraphein to mark out by lines, from dia- + graphein to write — more at carve

First Known Use: 1619

Related to DIAGRAM

Synonyms

illustration, figure, graphic, plate, visual

Related Words

art, artwork; drawing, illumination, image, pictogram, pictograph, picture; caption, key, legend; inset; depiction, pictorialization, portrait, portrayal, representation; clarification, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition

Rhymes with DIAGRAM

aerogram, Amsterdam, anagram, Birmingham, Boulder Dam, cablegram, centigram, Christogram, chronogram, cofferdam, cryptogram, decagram, deprogram, diaphragm, epigram, fluid dram, giant clam, hard-shell clam, hexagram, histogram, Hohokam, hologram, kilogram, logogram, mammogram, milligram, Minicam, monogram, nomogram, oriflamme, pentagram, phonogram, pictogram, reprogram, Rotterdam, scattergram, self-exam, skiagram, soft-shell clam, sonogram, subprogram, telegram, tetradrachm, thank-you-ma'am, tinker's damn, Uncle Sam

²diagram

transitive verb

diagrammed or diagramed \-ˌgramd\diagram·ming or diagram·ing \-ˌgra-miŋ\

Definition of DIAGRAM

: to represent by or put into the form of a diagram <diagram a sentence> <diagram a football play>

Examples of DIAGRAM

1. The coach diagrammed the new play on the blackboard.
2. The students were required to diagram a sentence.

First Known Use of DIAGRAM

1785