rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydiagramExplanatory drawing
noun / verb

diagram

DYE-uh-gram/dˈaɪʌɡrˌæm/

A simplified drawing showing how something is arranged or works.

The diagram separates the flashlight's parts to show how they fit together.

A small assembled flashlight beside a sheet showing a simplified exploded drawing of its parts, aligned with dashed connection lines to explain how they fit together.
Etymology
diaGreekacross, through
+gramGreekto write, mark, draw

Across and draw combine in the idea of marking something out with lines. The resulting outlined figure became a simplified drawing that shows an object's general scheme rather than all its details.

In context

Siebert Science2:17
in another diagram and look at some of the internal structures of the brain so the brain that i'm drawing right now we're looking from the side or a lateral view of the brain
Brain: Cerebrum and Cerebellum (+ Broca’s, Wernicke’s, and limbic overview)

More examples

  • Follow the wiring diagram to connect the switch.
  • These diagrams show where each engine part belongs.
  • She diagrammed the steps for recycling wastewater.

Forms

diagram · diagrams · diagrammed · diagramming

diagrammatic adjective — Using drawings to explain structure or relationships.

Similar words

schematic
Usually shows technical components and connections using standard symbols.
chart
Often organizes information or data rather than depicting physical structure.
sketch
A rough drawing that need not explain how something works.