linear

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

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

   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.

2. 2
   adj

   Made, or designed to be used, in a step-by-step, sequential manner.

   a linear medium

3. 3
   adj

   (of polynomials or polynomial equations)

   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.

4. 4
   adj

   (of functions or maps)

   The map f#58;#92;mathbb#123;R#125;³#92;to#92;mathbb#123;R#125;² taking (x,y,z)#92;mapsto(x#43;y#43;z,x-y#43;3z) is a linear map.

5. 5
   adj

   A type of length measurement involving only one spatial dimension (as opposed to area or volume).

   a linear meter

6. 6
   adj

   Delivered or delivering on a fixed schedule, as opposed to on-demand.

   linear TV, linear content, linear video, linear radio

7. 7
   adj

   of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input

8. 8
   adj

   of or in or along or relating to a line

Etymology

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