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

Sanford arrived here in 1970 following his hunch that the transverse geography of the Sta. —Amber Turpin, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025

The wheelbase was stretched out, enabling the engine to rotate 90º from the 308’s transverse layout to a longitudinal one. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024

Noun

Static Bird Dog This bird dog variation challenges several complex core muscles, including the rectus abdominis (six-pack), obliques, transverse abdominis (deep ab muscle), and spinal erectors (vertical back muscles that run down the spine and support posture and movement). —Jakob Roze, Health, 26 Feb. 2025

This exercise strengthens the rectus abdominis (top layer of your abs muscles), transverse abdominis (innermost abs muscle), and obliques (the sides of your abdomen). —Danielle Zickl, SELF, 7 Feb. 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