diametric

adjective

di·​a·​met·​ric ˌdī-ə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce diametric (audio)
variants or diametrical
1
mathematics : of, relating to, or constituting a straight line segment passing through the center of a figure or body : located at the diameter (see diameter sense 1)
2
: completely opposed : being at opposite extremes
in diametric contradiction to his claims
two parties in diametric opposition on the issue
diametrically adverb

Examples of diametric in a Sentence

that husband and wife have seemingly diametric personalities, but somehow their marriage works
Recent Examples on the Web Since President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, American voters now face an unusual choice between two candidates who are almost diametric opposites – people who are different in nearly every way. George Petras, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024 The British Academy's judgements are sometimes in agreement with those of the American Academy, and occasionally in diametric opposition — which is precisely their prismatic value as an Oscars handicapping tool. Guy Martin, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 In Duchenne, new data bring a familiar debate This week’s news that Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy missed its main goal in a pivotal study has drawn diametric reactions. Damian Garde, STAT, 2 Nov. 2023 The films have both received a lot of attention online and their diametric nature has attracted many folks to plan to see them both as a double feature, a rare phenomenon in the 21st century movie world. Ana Faguy, Forbes, 16 July 2023 Ray’s other girlfriend, Felicia, responds to his sudden absence in diametric fashion, making for a staggeringly insightful and deeply poignant journey. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2023 But greater volume is diametric to exclusivity, and as the price points inevitably lowered, so did the level of prestige. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2023 Yet, happiness and sadness are distinct emotional states, rather than diametric opposites, and past research points to the possibility that wealth may have a greater impact on sadness than happiness. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2015 Vehement passing, however, is nearly the diametric opposite of what the Maybach’s about. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 6 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diametric.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see diameter

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diametric was in 1553

Dictionary Entries Near diametric

Cite this Entry

“Diametric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diametric. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

diametric

adjective
di·​a·​met·​ric ˌdī-ə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce diametric (audio)
variants or diametrical
1
: of or relating to a diameter
2
: completely opposed or opposite
diametrically adverb
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