diameter Hear it!

diameter definition

di·am·eter (dī am′ət ər)

noun

  1. a line segment passing through the center of a circle, sphere, etc. from one side to the other
  2. the length of such a segment; width or thickness of a circular, or somewhat circular, figure or object
  3. Optics the unit of measure of the magnifying power of a lens

Etymology: ME & OFr diametre < ML diametra < L diametrus < Gr diametros < dia-, through + metron, a measure: see meter

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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