traversable

transitive verb traversed, traversing

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

Origin: 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

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

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

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

adverb traverse