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

But those two types of waves, longitudinal and transverse, aren’t exhaustive; there are other types of waves that can, and indeed do, exist. —Big Think, 7 May 2026

The frontal plane is your side-to-side movements, and the transverse plane is twisting movements. —Sarah Klein, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026

Noun

Despite the Miura’s gearbox being mounted at some distance, behind its transverse engine (a layout inspired by the Austin Mini), the pistol-grip lever moves positively around the open metal gate. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 18 May 2026

This method allowed the researchers to access transverse magnetic susceptibility in previously unreachable conditions. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026

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 myelitis
• 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