diagonal

play

adjective di·ag·o·nal \dī-ˈa-gə-n^əl, -ˈag-nəl\

Definition of diagonal

1a : joining two vertices of a rectilinear figure that are nonadjacent or two vertices of a polyhedral figure that are not in the same faceb : passing through two nonadjacent edges of a polyhedron a diagonal plane
2a : inclined obliquely from a reference line (such as the vertical) wood with a diagonal grainb : having diagonal markings or parts a diagonal weave

The blanket is covered with diagonal stripes.
the diagonal design ran up the wall all the way from the lower left to the upper right-hand corner

Latin diagonalis, from Greek diagōnios from angle to angle, from dia- + gōnia angle; akin to Greek gony knee — more at ¹knee

First Known Use: 1563

noun di·ag·o·nal

1 : a diagonal straight line or plane
2a (1) : a diagonal direction (2) : a diagonal row, arrangement, or patternb : something oriented in diagonal position
3 : slash 4

a design with strong diagonals
the ramp was set at a low diagonal to make it easier for physically challenged patrons

1571

1571

play

adjective

of a straight line : joining two opposite corners of a shape (such as a square or rectangle) especially by crossing the center point of the shape
: not going straight across or up and down

noun

play

adjective di·ag·o·nal \dī-ˈa-gə-n^əl, -ˈag-nəl\

1 : running from one corner to the opposite corner of a four-sided shape (as a square) a diagonal line
2 : running in a slanting direction diagonal stripes