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

Its ingenious design used a monocoque chassis and a transverse four-cylinder engine with the transmission relocated in the sump. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 30 July 2025

Her work typically begins with a microscopic slide of a transverse section of plant tissue that has been decolorized and stained with natural dyes. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2025

Noun

Incidentally, the biggest advantage of longitudinal beds versus a transverse bed ties into the bathroom – with separate longitudinal beds, each sleeper can get up in the morning or middle of the night without having to disturb the other sleeper. —New Atlas, 26 July 2025

More news: World Series Champion Pitcher, Coach, Dies at 60 In 2008, Rafferty was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder that left him with no feeling below the waist. —Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

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 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