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 frontal plane is your side-to-side movements, and the transverse plane is twisting movements. — Sarah Klein, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026

The camper was based on the full-size Transit van, then in its fourth generation, and included a transverse rear kitchen equipped with a spirit stove. — New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2026

Noun

The transverse bed measures 54 x 79 in (136 x 200 cm). — C.c. Weiss may 05, New Atlas, 5 May 2026

The synchrotron scan was sharp enough to let researchers count the tiny, individual tooth impressions across the radula’s transverse rows. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2026

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 myelitis
• transverse process
• transverse wave

Rhymes for transverse

• adverse
• averse
• coerce
• disburse
• disperse
• diverse
• immerse
• inverse
• obverse
• perverse
• rehearse
• reverse

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