Transverse

transverse
lying or being across, or in a crosswise direction; athwart; often opposed to longitudinal.
(Science: geometry) Transverse axis (of an ellipse or hyperbola), that axis which passes through the foci.
(Science: botany) Transverse partition, a partition, as of a pericarp, at right angles with the valves, as in the siliques of mustard.
Origin: L. Transversus, p. P. Of transvertere to turn on direct across; trans across – vertere to turn: cf. F. Transverse. See Verse, and cf. Traverse.
1. Anything that is transverse or athwart.
2. (Science: geometry) The longer, or transverse, axis of an ellipse.