Linear
Linear (lin"e*ẽr) , adjective
[Latin linearis, linearius, from linea line: compare French linéaire. See 3d Line.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a line; consisting of lines; in a straight direction; lineal.
2.
(Botany) Like a line; narrow; of the same breadth throughout, except at the extremities; as, a linear leaf.
3.
Thinking in a step-by-step analytical and logical fashion; contrasted with holistic, that is thinking in terms of complex interrelated patterns; as, linear thinkers.
Linear thinkers concluded that by taking the world apart, the actions of people were more predictable and controllable.
Collocations (6)
Linear differential equation (Mathematics) , an equation which is of the first degree, when the expression which is equated to zero is regarded as a function of the dependent variable and its differential coefficients.
Linear equation (Mathematics) , an equation of the first degree between two variables; -- so called because every such equation may be considered as representing a right line.<-- = straight line! -->
Linear measure , the measurement of length.
Linear numbers (Mathematics) , such numbers as have relation to length only: such is a number which represents one side of a plane figure. If the plane figure is square, the linear figure is called a root.
Linear problem (Geometry) , a problem which may be solved geometrically by the use of right lines alone.
Linear transformation (Algebra) , a change of variables where each variable is replaced by a function of the first degree in the new variable.