I. tran(t)sˈvərs, traan-, -nzˈ-, -ˈvə̄s, -ˈvəis transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English transversen, from Middle French transverser, from Late Latin transversare to cross, from Latin transversus transverse
1. : to lie or pass across : cross
the artery transverses the bone
2. archaic : to go counter to : oppose , traverse
3. : overturn , reverse
transverse the saying
4. obsolete : alter , transform
II. (ˈ) ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adjective
Etymology: Latin transversus, from past participle of transvertere to turn or direct across, from trans- + vertere to turn — more at worth
: extended or lying across or in a crosswise direction
from the transverse hall, the stairway ascends gracefully — American Guide Series: Virginia
uses transverse leaf springs set perpendicular to the axle
the transverse strokes in the letter K
— opposed to longitudinal
III. noun
( -s )
: something (as a piece, muscle, or part) that is transverse or athwart ; specifically : transept
IV. adverb
archaic : transversely
V. ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ transitive verb
Etymology: trans- + verse
: to turn or render into verse : versify