diagonal

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (geometry) a straight line connecting any two vertices of a polygon that are not adjacent
  2. noun a line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side of the fabric
  3. noun an oblique line of squares of the same color on a checkerboard

Etymology

From Middle French diagonal, from Latin diagōnālis, from Ancient Greek διαγώνιος (diagṓnios, “from angle to angle”), from διά (diá, “across”) + γωνία (gōnía, “angle”).

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