adj.1 a of or in lines; in lines rather than masses (linear development). b of length (linear extent).
2 long and narrow and of uniform breadth.
3 involving one dimension only.
Phrases and idioms:
linear accelerator Physics an accelerator in which particles travel in straight lines, not in closed orbits. Linear B a form of Bronze Age writing found in Crete and parts of Greece and recording a form of Mycenaean Greek: an earlier undeciphered form (Linear A) also exists. linear equation an equation between two variables that gives a straight line when plotted on a graph. linear motor a motor producing straight-line (not rotary) motion by means of a magnetic field.
Derivatives:
linearity n. linearize v.tr. (also -ise). linearly adv.
Etymology: L linearis f. linea LINE(1)