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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of diagonal in a Sentence
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
Recent Examples of diagonal from the Web
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The diagonal scar on Mr Khattab’s neck is another story; assassins had planted a bomb near his house.
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Transfer to a cutting board and slice thinly on the diagonal.
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Midfielder Brian Ownby recognized this and made a diagonal run into the spot Lancaster just vacated.
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Diagonal parking will be added to the east side of Western Avenue and both the sanitary sewer line and water main will be extended.
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Refrigerate four hours, then slice on the diagonal and serve.
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Most passengers hop into the rear seats and often sit diagonal from the driver.
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Most passengers hop into the rear seats and often sit diagonal from the driver.
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The city plans diagonal parking on some downtown streets.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diagonal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of diagonal
Latin diagonalis, from Greek diagōnios from angle to angle, from dia- + gōnia angle; akin to Greek gony knee — more at 1knee
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
diagonal
Definition of diagonal
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
on the diagonal
: in an oblique direction : diagonally
Examples of diagonal in a Sentence
a design with strong diagonals
the ramp was set at a low diagonal to make it easier for physically challenged patrons
Recent Examples of diagonal from the Web
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The pair added some quirky touches by using diagonals.
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In October 2015, McKay Brothers, a company that sells access to its microwave network to high-speed traders, leased land diagonal to the CME data center, under the name Pierce Broadband LLC, according to DuPage County property records.
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Clark Street is a diagonal that only comes close to the park at its intersection with Addison near the iconic marquee, and may not be as much of a security risk as Addison.
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Soon, elaborate street plans, with parks, grids, and slashing diagonals resembling those of Versailles, would be traced over a terrain that still housed more bears than people.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diagonal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of diagonal
1571
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
DIAGONAL Defined for English Language Learners
diagonal
playDefinition of diagonal for English Language Learners
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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
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: not going straight across or up and down
diagonal
Definition of diagonal for English Language Learners
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: a diagonal line, direction, or pattern
DIAGONAL Defined for Kids
Definition of diagonal for Students
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
diagonally
\-nə-lē\ adverbDefinition of diagonal for Students
: a line, direction, or pattern that runs in a slanting direction
Learn More about diagonal
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See words that rhyme with diagonal Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for diagonal Spanish Central: Translation of diagonal Nglish: Translation of diagonal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of diagonal for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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