linear

Definition

Having the form of a line; straight or roughly straight; following a direct course.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin līneāris, from līnea (“line”) + -āris (adjectival suffix), equivalent to line + -ar. Doublet of lineal.

Example Sentences

• "The route taken does not have to be a perfectly straight line, just so long as it is linear and is followed consistently for each transect taken."
• "a linear medium"
• "4x#43;5y#43;#92;frac#123;1#125;#123;2#125;z is a linear polynomial, but 4xy#43;#92;frac#123;1#125;#123;2#125;z and 4x#43;z² are not."