transitive verb traversed -·versed′, traversing -·vers′·ing

1. 1. to pass, move, or extend over, across, or through; cross
   2. to go back and forth over or along; cross and recross
2. to go counter to; oppose; thwart
3. to survey, inspect, or examine carefully
4. to turn (a gun, lathe, etc.) laterally; swivel
5. to make a traverse of in surveying
6. Law
   1. to deny or contradict formally (something alleged by the opposing party in a lawsuit)
   2. to join issue upon (an indictment) or upon the validity of (an inquest of office)
7. Naut. to brace (a yard) fore and aft

Etymology: ME traversen < OFr traverser < VL < *transversare < L transversus, pp. of transvertere, to turn across < trans-, trans- + vertere, to turn: see verse

intransitive verb

1. to move across; cross over
2. to move back and forth over a place, etc.; cross and recross
3. to swivel or pivot
4. to move across a mountain slope, as in skiing, in an oblique direction
5. to make a traverse in surveying
6. Fencing to move one's blade toward the opponent's hilt while pressing one's foil hard against the opponent's foil

noun traverse trav′·erse

1. something that traverses or crosses; specif.,
   1. a line that intersects others
   2. a crossbar, crosspiece, crossbeam, transom, etc.
   3. a parapet or wall of earth, etc. across a rampart or trench
   4. a gallery, loft, etc. crossing a building
   5. a single line of survey across a plot, region, etc.
   6. Obsolete a screen, curtain, etc. placed crosswise
2. Now Rare something that opposes or thwarts; obstacle
3. the act or an instance of traversing; specif.,
   1. a passing across or through; crossing
   2. a lateral, pivoting, oblique, or zigzagging movement
4. a part, device, etc. that causes a traversing movement
5. a passage by which one may cross; way across
6. 1. a zigzagging course or route taken by a vessel, as in sailing against the wind
   2. a single leg of such a course
7. a formal denial in a lawsuit

adjective traverse trav′·erse

1. passing or extending across; transverse
2. designating or of drapes (and the rods and hooks for them) usually hung in pairs that can be drawn together or apart by pulling a cord at the side

Etymology: ME travers < OFr < L transversus: see traversethe

adverb traverse trav′·erse