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.
