transverse

1 of 2

adjective

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

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Many full-size van models also lack the necessary width for a transverse rear bed, tapering in toward the roof to cut width below what's necessary for a builder to install a transverse bed in the over-load floor space. New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025 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
Noun
Because that removes the base of support, all of your core (your rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, and even pelvic floor) has to really fire to keep you from tipping over. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025 Interestingly, the reason the transverse rear bed layout is usually reserved exclusively for full-size vans has little to do with a difference in width as compared to midsize models. New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transverse

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of transverse was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transverse. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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 How to pronounce transverse (audio) tranz- How to pronounce transverse (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on transverse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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