linear
adjective
lin·e·ar
| \ ˈli-nē-ər
\
\
Definition of linear
1a(1)
: of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line : straight
(2)
: involving a single dimension
b(1)
: of the first degree with respect to one or more variables
(2)
: of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra
c(1)
: characterized by an emphasis on line
linear art
(2)
: composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation
linear script
d
: consisting of a straight chain of atoms
a linear molecule
2
: elongated with nearly parallel sides
linear leaf
— see leaf illustration
3
: having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
4
: of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development
linear thinking a linear narrative
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Other Words from linear
linearity
\ ˌli-nē-ˈer-ə-tē
, -ˈa-rə- \
noun
, -ˈa-rə- \
noun
linearly
\ ˈli-nē-ər-lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
Synonyms for linear
Synonyms
direct, right, straight, straightaway, straightforward
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Examples of linear in a Sentence
a flat, almost linear horizon
the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
Recent Examples on the Web
One variant will be entirely linear, like Cherry MX Red switches, while a second has a small tactile bump, with a feel that’s similar to a Cherry MX Brown. — Jon Porter, The Verge, "This Kickstarter keyboard combines 1970s tech with magnets to make every key pressure-sensitive," 1 Aug. 2019 The progress wasn't linear, as the Pacers started the season 4-0, before dropping three of their next four. — Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star, "Traditional athletes, competitive experience transforms Pacers Gaming into playoff team," 24 July 2019 Converting a concrete channel to a linear green space with flood control and recharge capabilities is a big challenge. — Los Angeles Times, "Reader Feedback: ‘Big Little Lies’ didn’t need saving by Meryl Streep," 27 July 2019 Often his uncompromising films lack linear narratives, even protagonists. — The Economist, "A bold Ukrainian film-maker charts the line between fiction and truth," 25 July 2019 There’s nothing wrong with filmmaking that obeys the classical Hollywood rules of aesthetic legibility, linear narrative sense and a relatable emotional journey. — Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, "In praise of the messy, misunderstood masterpiece (and in search of the next one)," 25 July 2019 The ordinance also imposes several fees, including a $2,500 permit application fee and a fee per linear foot for city right-of-way used. — Sergio Chapa, Houston Chronicle, "Kinder Morgan sues Austin suburb over anti-pipeline ordinance," 22 July 2019 The rise of digitally distributed content means that there is always an audience for good stories, even if that audience is aggregated now across communities that span different continents in a way that linear distribution could never reach. — Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, "Channing Tatum's Company Secures Film Development Financing," 22 July 2019 The building starts out simply enough with containers stacked on top of each other in a linear form. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Shipping container building concept is part office, part sculpture," 3 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'linear.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for linear
linear
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of linear
: formed by lines : made up of lines
: forming a line
: of or relating to the length of something
See the full definition for linear in the English Language Learners Dictionary
linear
adjective
lin·ear
| \ ˈli-nē-ər
\
\
Kids Definition of linear
1
: made up of, relating to, or like a line : straight
2
: involving a single dimension
linear
adjective
lin·ear
| \ ˈlin-ē-ər
\
\
Medical Definition of linear
: of, relating to, or resembling a line
Other Words from linear
linearity
\ ˌlin-ē-ˈar-ət-ē
\
noun,
plural linearities
\
noun,
plural linearities
linearly
\ ˈlin-ē-ər-lē
\
adverb
\
adverb