diagonal Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun (geometry) a straight line connecting any two vertices of a polygon that are not adjacent
noun a line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side of the fabric
bias.
noun an oblique line of squares of the same color on a checkerboard
- the bishop moves on the diagonals
noun (mathematics) a set of entries in a square matrix running diagonally either from the upper left to lower right entry or running from the upper right to lower left entry
noun a punctuation mark (/) used to separate related items of information
virgule; solidus; separatrix; stroke; slash.
adjective satellite connecting two nonadjacent corners of a plane figure or any two corners of a solid that are not in the same face
- a diagonal line across the page
adjective satellite having an oblique or slanted direction
aslope; aslant; sloped; slanted; slanting; sloping.

L. diagonalis, fr. Gr. from to angle; through + an angle; perh. akin to E. knee: cf. F. diagonal.

(Geom.) Joining two not adjacent angles of a quadrilateral or multilateral figure; running across from corner to corner; crossing at an angle with one of the sides.

A right line drawn from one angle to another not adjacent, of a figure of four or more sides, and dividing it into two parts.
(Engin.) A member, in a framed structure, running obliquely across a panel.
A diagonal cloth; a kind of cloth having diagonal stripes, ridges, or welts made in the weaving.