diameter

[ dahy-am-i-ter ]
/ daɪˈæm ɪ tər /

noun

Geometry.
  1. a straight line passing through the center of a circle or sphere and meeting the circumference or surface at each end.
  2. a straight line passing from side to side of any figure or body, through its center.
the length of such a line.
the width of a circular or cylindrical object.

Origin of diameter

1350–1400; Middle English diametre < Old French < Latin diametros < Greek diámetros diagonal, diameter, equivalent to dia- dia- + -metros, derivative of métron meter1

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH diameter

circumference diameter radius tangent

Example sentences from the Web for diameter

British Dictionary definitions for diameter

diameter
/ (daɪˈæmɪtə) /

noun

  1. a straight line connecting the centre of a geometric figure, esp a circle or sphere, with two points on the perimeter or surface
  2. the length of such a line
the thickness of something, esp with circular cross section

Word Origin for diameter

C14: from Medieval Latin diametrus, variant of Latin diametros, from Greek: diameter, diagonal, from dia- + metron measure

Medical definitions for diameter

diameter
[ dī-ămĭ-tər ]

n.

A straight line connecting two opposite points on the surface of a spherical or cylindrical body, or at the boundary of an opening or foramen, passing through the center of such body or opening.
The distance measured along such a line.

Scientific definitions for diameter

diameter
[ dī-ămĭ-tər ]

A straight line segment that passes through the center of a circle or sphere from one side to the other.
The length of such a line segment.

Cultural definitions for diameter

diameter
[ (deye-am-uh-tuhr) ]

A straight line passing through the center of a figure, especially a circle or sphere, and joining two opposite points on its circumference.