First Known Use: 1563
Dictionary
1diagonal
adjective di·ag·o·nal \dī-ˈa-gə-nəl, -ˈag-nəl\
of a straight line : joining two opposite corners of a shape (such as a square or rectangle) especially by crossing the center point of the shape
: not going straight across or up and down
Full Definition of DIAGONAL
1
a : joining two vertices of a rectilinear figure that are nonadjacent or two vertices of a polyhedral figure that are not in the same face b : passing through two nonadjacent edges of a polyhedron <a diagonal plane>
2
a : inclined obliquely from a reference line (as the vertical) <wood with a diagonal grain> b : having diagonal markings or parts <a diagonal weave>
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Origin of DIAGONAL
Latin diagonalis, from Greek diagōnios from angle to angle, from dia- + gōnia angle; akin to Greek gony knee — more at knee
Related to DIAGONAL
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Rhymes with DIAGONAL
2diagonal
noun
: a diagonal line, direction, or pattern
Full Definition of DIAGONAL
1
: a diagonal straight line or plane
2
a (1) : a diagonal direction (2) : a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern b : something oriented in diagonal position
See diagonal defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DIAGONAL
1571
Related to DIAGONAL
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
ON THE DIAGONAL Defined for Kids
1diagonal
adjective di·ag·o·nal \dī-ˈa-gə-nəl, -ˈag-nəl\
Definition of DIAGONAL for Kids
1
: running from one corner to the opposite corner of a four-sided shape (as a square) <a diagonal line>
2
: running in a slanting direction <diagonal stripes>
— di·ag·o·nal·ly \-nə-lē\ adverb
2diagonal
noun
Definition of DIAGONAL for Kids
: a line, direction, or pattern that runs in a slanting direction
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