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Webster 1913 Edition

Diameter

Di-am′e-ter

,
Noun.
[F.
diamètre
, L.
diametros
, fr. Gr. [GREEK];
διά
through + [GREEK] 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
.
☞ 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
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Diameter

DIAMETER

,
Noun.
[Gr., measure through.]
1.
A right line passing through the center of a circle or other curvilinear figure, terminated by the circumference, and dividing the figure into two equal parts.
2.
A right line passing through the center of a piece of timber, a rock or other object, from one side to the other; as the diameter of a tree, or of a stone.

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