transverse

1 of 2

adjective

trans·​verse tran(t)s-ˈvərs How to pronounce transverse (audio)
tranz-ˈvərs
ˈtran(t)s-ˌvərs How to pronounce transverse (audio) ˈtranz-ˌvərs How to pronounce transverse (audio)
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
The camper was based on the full-size Transit van, then in its fourth generation, and included a transverse rear kitchen equipped with a spirit stove. New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2026 The striking prototype, which was designed by Bertone’s legendary Marcello Gandini, was a small barchetta that shared a transverse mid-engine layout with the designer’s more famous Lamborghini Miura. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Published in the journal Communications Materials, the study reveals that the research team investigated the thermoelectric transport of molybdenum disilicide MoSi2 and found that MoSi2 is an ideal transverse thermoelectric material without a magnetic field. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026 The camper was based on the full-size Transit van, then in its fourth generation, and included a transverse rear kitchen equipped with a spirit stove. New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2026 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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

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