1
a(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
lin·ear·i·ty
ˌlinēˈarətē also -ˈer-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being linear: such as
a
: the condition of extending along or in a line
b
: one to one correspondence between diverse and often opposed elements
c
: the faithfulness with which an output signal of an electronic reproducing system reproduces an input signal
specifically
: the faithfulness with which the shape and arrangement of the elements in a television picture reproduce the shape and arrangement of the original televised image
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.
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