rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytransverseCrosswise position
adjective / noun

transverse

TRANZ-vurs/ˈtrænzvɜːrs/

Lying or extending across something.

The wooden brace runs transverse to the upright posts.

A horizontal wooden brace runs across several upright fence posts at right angles, clear crosswise relation, no letters.
Etymology
transLatinacross
+verseLatinto turn

The underlying image is of something turned or directed across. The adjective describes the resulting orientation: lying or extending across something rather than the act of turning.

In context

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics1:51
grooves in the rubber that run across the tire these grooves have a few names including slots or transverse grooves
Tire Tread and Tire Track Evidence

More examples

  • The diagram shows a transverse section of the stem.
  • The transverse cut exposed the interior.
  • A transverse joined the two longer members of the frame.

Forms

transverse · transverses

Similar words

crosswise
Crosswise is the everyday equivalent for extending across something.
longitudinal
Longitudinal follows the length; transverse crosses it.