Main Entry: ¹tra·verse

Pronunciation: \ˈtra-vərs also -ˌvərs, especially for 6 & 8 also trə-ˈ or tra-ˈ\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English travers, from Anglo-French travers (as in a travers, de travers across), from Latin transversum (as in in transversum set crosswise), neuter of transversus lying across; senses 5–9 in part from ²traverse — more at transverse

Date: 14th century

1 : something that crosses or lies across
2 : obstacle, adversity
3 : a formal denial of a matter of fact alleged by the opposing party in a legal pleading
4 a : a compartment or recess formed by a partition, curtain, or screen b : a gallery or loft providing access from one side to another in a large building
5 : a route or way across or over: as a : a zigzag course of a sailing ship with contrary winds b : a curving or zigzag way up a steep grade c : the course followed in traversing
6 : the act or an instance of traversing : crossing
7 : a protective projecting wall or bank of earth in a trench
8 a : a lateral movement (as of the saddle of a lathe carriage); also : a device for imparting such movement b : the lateral movement of a gun about a pivot or on a carriage to change direction of fire
9 : a line surveyed across a plot of ground