01 a. Of or pertaining to a line; consisting of lines; in a straight direction; lineal.
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1.
Of or pertaining to a line; consisting of lines; in a straight direction; lineal.
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2.
Like a line; narrow; of the same breadth throughout, except at the extremities; as, a linear leaf.(Bot.)
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3.
Thinking in a step-by-step analytical and logical fashion; contrasted with holistic, i.e. thinking in terms of complex interrelated patterns; as, linear thinkers.“Linear thinkers concluded that by taking the world apart, the actions of people were more predictable and controllable.” — David Morris (Conference presentation, Fairfield University, October 31, 1997)
Phrases & compounds
Linear differential equation —
an equation which is of the first degree, when the expression which is equated to zero is regarded as a function of the dependent variable and its differential coefficients.
Linear equation —
an equation of the first degree between two variables; -- so called because every such equation may be considered as representing a right line.<-- = straight line! -->
Linear measure —
the measurement of length.
Linear numbers —
such numbers as have relation to length only: such is a number which represents one side of a plane figure. If the plane figure is square, the linear figure is called a root.
Linear problem —
a problem which may be solved geometrically by the use of right lines alone.
Linear transformation —
a change of variables where each variable is replaced by a function of the first degree in the new variable.