linear

1. 1
   adjective

   Shaped like a straight line, or going in a straight, direct direction.

   Like a string pulled tight between two points: it goes straight.

   The new road follows a linear path straight across the flat desert.

   They planted the young trees in a neat linear row beside the fence.

   Similarstraight, direct

   Oppositecurved, winding

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Having to do with lines, or connected with lines.

   The teacher pointed out the linear pattern running through the design.

   In art class we studied linear shapes before adding color.

   Similarlineal

   Note
3. 3
   adjective

   Done or used in a set order, one step after another.

   Like climbing stairs one step at a time, from the bottom to the top.

   The game has a linear story that you follow from start to finish.

   We took a linear approach, finishing each task before starting the next.

   Similarsequential, chronological, consecutive

   Oppositenonlinear

4. 4
   adjective

   Long, thin, and narrow, with sides that are almost parallel.

   Shaped like a thin ribbon or a single blade of grass.

   Blades of grass have a linear shape, long and very thin.

   The plant grows linear leaves that look like thin green straps.

   Note
5. 5
   adjective

   Measuring length in just one direction, not area or space.

   Like measuring how long a piece of string is, not how big a flat sheet is.

   We bought the fencing by the linear foot.

   The cloth is priced per linear meter of its length.

   Similarrunning

   Note
6. 6
   adjective

   Using variables with no powers higher than one, so the graph forms a straight line.

   Like a straight ramp that climbs at the same steepness the whole way.

   A linear equation like y = 2x + 1 draws a straight line.

   We learned to solve simple linear problems in math class.

   Oppositenonlinear

   Note
7. 7
   adjective

   Made up only of straight-line terms, with no higher powers.

   A linear system can be solved by adding the two equations together.

   She checked whether the two linear equations crossed at one point.

   Oppositenonlinear

   Note
8. 8
   adjective

   Describing a function that adds inputs and scales them in a steady, predictable way.

   Like a machine that always gives back twice as much when you put in twice as much.

   A linear function turns a doubled input into a doubled output.

   Rotating a shape around the center is a linear operation.

   Oppositenonlinear

   Note
9. 9
   adjective

   Shown on a set schedule, not whenever you choose to watch.

   Like catching a bus that leaves at a set time, not a taxi you call whenever you want.

   Many families still watch linear TV with set program times.

   The network's linear channels run their shows at fixed hours.

   Similarbroadcast

   Oppositestreaming

   Note
10. 10
    adjective

    Describing a map between two number systems that keeps adding and scaling the same.

    A linear map between these structures keeps sums as sums.

    They checked that the function stayed linear over the whole ring.

    Note
11. 11
    nounslangabbreviationellipsis

    Short for linear amplifier. Ham radio operators use it for the unit that boosts transmit power.

    After saving for months, she bought a linear to boost her station's range.

    He kept the linear switched off during casual chats to avoid overpowering the band.

    Note

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