diagonal meaning and definition

DIAGONAL noun

Definition of diagonal (noun)

1. (geometry) a straight line connecting any two vertices of a polygon that are not adjacent
2. a line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side of the fabric
   • synonyms: bias
3. an oblique line of squares of the same color on a checkerboard
   • "the bishop moves on the diagonals"
4. (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
5. a punctuation mark (/) used to separate related items of information
   • synonyms: separatrix, slash, solidus, stroke, virgule

DIAGONAL adjective

Definition of diagonal (adjective)

1. 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"
2. having an oblique or slanted direction
   • synonyms: aslant, aslope, slanted, slanting, sloped, sloping