Di*am"e*ter (?), n. [F. diamètre, L.
diametros, fr. Gr. &?;; dia` through + &?; measure. See Meter.]
1. (Geom.) (a)
Any right line passing through the center of a figure or body, as a circle, conic section, sphere, cube, etc., and terminated by the opposite boundaries; a straight line which bisects a system of parallel chords drawn in a curve. (b)
A diametral plane.
2. The length of
a straight line through the center of
an object from side to
side; width; thickness; as, the diameter of a tree or rock.
&fist; In an
elongated object the diameter is usually taken at right angles to the longer
axis.
3. (Arch.) The distance through the lower part of the shaft of a column, used as a standard measure for all parts of the
order. See Module.
Conjugate diameters. See under Conjugate.
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