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

Furthermore, the axial compression in the columns is likely to result in shear cracks that are more closely aligned with the column axis, allowing the cracks to intercept some transverse reinforcement before propagating through the section. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025

For the Octopus project, my team constructed a prototype arm using SMA springs to stand in for the longitudinal and transverse muscles found in the limbs of a real octopus. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Aug. 2016

Noun

Research suggests deep core exercises—workouts that target core muscles like the transverse abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor—support your postpartum core recovery and may help improve diastasis recti. —Kathleen Felton, SELF, 6 May 2025

Here’s what actually works for stiff muscles Examples include squats (sagittal plane), lateral lunges (frontal plane) and standing torso twists (transverse plane). —Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 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