Definition of linear
1a (1) : of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line : straight (2) : involving a single dimensionb (1) : of the first degree with respect to one or more variables (2) : of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebrac (1) : characterized by an emphasis on line linear art (2) : composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation linear scriptd : consisting of a straight chain of atoms a linear molecule
2 : elongated with nearly parallel sides linear leaf — see leaf illustration
3 : having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
4 : of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development linear thinking a linear narrative
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Examples of linear in a Sentence
a flat, almost linear horizon
the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
Recent Examples of linear from the Web
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The property features two homes and over 1,000 linear feet of lakefront living against US Army Corp of Engineers’ property.
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The Zero 1 is the first to account for rotational as well as linear impact.
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The long, linear fractures seen on Enceladus' south pole differ from the texture around the moon's north polar region, where tons craters and fissures point to an old surface unchanged by geological activity .
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Who has previously been available across a number of digital platforms in China, including Youku, LeTV and BesTV, which is Shanghai Media Group's linear TV service.
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Aldrin remarked, referring to the crowd lined up tangent to the presentation’s linear walkway.
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Pick and choose from over 1 million products This room features a linear bare bulb chandelier and the original hardwood floor which is over 80 years old and not replicable today.
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The paper is the first to identify a linear relationship between carbon dioxide and Arctic summer sea-ice.
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People often think there is a linear continuum of best to worst options, says Mr. Stemler.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'linear'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Circa 1656
First Known Use of linear
circa 1656
LINEAR Defined for English Language Learners
linear
playDefinition of linear for English Language Learners
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: formed by lines : made up of lines
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: forming a line
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: of or relating to the length of something
LINEAR Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about linear
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for linear Spanish Central: Translation of linear Nglish: Translation of linear for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of linear for Arabic speakers
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