/ ˈlɪniə(r); NAmE / adjective
1.
of or in lines :
In his art he broke the laws of scientific linear perspective.
2.
going from one thing to another in a single series of stages :
Students do not always progress in a linear fashion.
OPP non-linear
3.
of length :
linear measurement (= for example metres, feet, etc.)
4.
( mathematics ) able to be represented by a straight line on a graph :
linear equations
► lin·ear·ity / ˌlɪniˈærəti; NAmE / noun [ U ]:
She abandoned the linearity of the conventional novel.
► lin·ear·ly adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from Latin linearis , from linea a line.