linear

[lin-ee-er]

adjective

1. of, consisting of, or using lines.

   linear design.

2. pertaining to or represented by lines.

   linear dimensions.

3. extended or arranged in a line.

   a linear series.

4. involving measurement in one dimension only; pertaining to length.

   linear measure.

5. of or relating to the characteristics of a work of art in which forms and rhythms are defined chiefly in terms of line.

6. having the form of or resembling a line.

   linear nebulae.

7. progressing logically from step to step; having a regular sequence of stages.

   Such linear thinking can inhibit true innovation and creative exploration.

8. Mathematics.

   1. consisting of, involving, or describable by terms of the first degree.

   2. having the same effect on a sum as on each of the summands.

      a linear operation.

9. Electronics.,  delivering an output that is directly proportional to the input.

   a linear circuit; a linear amplifier.

10. threadlike; narrow and elongated.

    a linear leaf.

linear

/ ˌlɪnɪˈærɪtɪ, ˈlɪnɪə /

adjective

1. of, in, along, or relating to a line

2. of or relating to length

3. resembling, represented by, or consisting of a line or lines

4. having one dimension

5. designating a style in the arts, esp painting, that obtains its effects through line rather than colour or light and in which the edges of forms and planes are sharply defined Compare painterly

6. maths of or relating to the first degree

   a linear equation

7. narrow and having parallel edges

   a linear leaf

8. electronics

   1. (of a circuit, etc) having an output that is directly proportional to input

      linear amplifier

   2. having components arranged in a line

linear

1. Being or resembling a line.

Other Word Forms

• linearly adverb
• nonlinear adjective
• sublinear adjective
• linearity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of linear¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin līneāris “of, belonging to lines”; line ¹, -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of linear¹

C17: from Latin līneāris of or by means of lines

Example Sentences

Nike warned earlier this month that its trajectory “won’t be linear” as it looks to move past years of softening demand and heavy discounting.

Read more on Barron's

Our current timeline is unaffected, as time is singular, circular, and linear, and these events have already unfolded, as per the Saeed Theory of Spatial Travel.

Read more on Literature

I rejoiced in teaching young people about linear equations and graphs.

Read more on Literature

With linear TV viewership in decline for everything besides live sports, networks are desperate to secure scripted hits.

Read more on Salon

The Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station monitors six linear miles of land border from the Pacific Ocean to the San Ysidro Port of Entry, according to U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cramped 
• definite 
• limited 
• precarious 
• precise 
• slender 
• slim 
• small 
• thin 
• tight