linear

linear
    adj 1: designating or involving an equation whose terms are of
           the first degree [syn: {linear}, {additive}] [ant:
           {nonlinear}]
    2: of or in or along or relating to a line; involving a single
       dimension; "a linear measurement" [syn: {linear}, {one-
       dimensional}] [ant: {cubic}, {planar}, {three-dimensional},
       {two-dimensional}]
    3: of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional
       to the input; "analogue device"; "linear amplifier" [syn:
       {analogue}, {analog}, {linear}] [ant: {digital}]
    4: (of a leaf shape) long and narrow [syn: {linear}, {elongate}]
    5: measured lengthwise; "cost of lumber per running foot" [syn:
       {linear}, {running(a)}]
    

left-brained \left"-brained`\, a.
   Exhibiting intellectual or personality characteristics
   suggesting dominance of linguistic or logical modes of
   thought, which are usually controlled by the left cerebral
   hemisphere; as, left-brained pedants unable to appreciate
   music; also referred to as {linear}. See {linear}[3].
   Contrasted with {right-brained}.
   [PJC] left field
    

Linear \Lin"e*ar\ (l[i^]n"[-e]*[~e]r), a. [L. linearis,
   linearius, fr. linea line: cf. F. lin['e]aire. See 3d
   {Line}.]
   1. Of or pertaining to a line; consisting of lines; in a
      straight direction; lineal.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Bot.) Like a line; narrow; of the same breadth
      throughout, except at the extremities; as, a linear leaf.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Thinking in a step-by-step analytical and logical fashion;
      contrasted with {holistic}, i.e. thinking in terms of
      complex interrelated patterns; as, linear thinkers.
      [PJC]

            Linear thinkers concluded that by taking the world
            apart, the actions of people were more predictable
            and controllable.                     --David Morris
                                                  (Conference
                                                  presentation,
                                                  Fairfield
                                                  University,
                                                  October 31,
                                                  1997)

   {Linear differential equation} (Math.), an equation which is
      of the first degree, when the expression which is equated
      to zero is regarded as a function of the dependent
      variable and its differential coefficients.

   {Linear equation} (Math.), an equation of the first degree
      between two variables; -- so called because every such
      equation may be considered as representing a right line.
      

   {Linear measure}, the measurement of length.

   {Linear numbers} (Math.), such numbers as have relation to
      length only: such is a number which represents one side of
      a plane figure. If the plane figure is square, the linear
      figure is called a root.

   {Linear problem} (Geom.), a problem which may be solved
      geometrically by the use of right lines alone.

   {Linear transformation} (Alg.), a change of variables where
      each variable is replaced by a function of the first
      degree in the new variable.
      [1913 Webster]
    

50 Moby Thesaurus words for "linear":
      Plimsoll line, Plimsoll mark, arrowlike, catenary, consecutive,
      dead straight, direct, even, flat, high-water mark, horizontal,
      in a line, level, lineal, load waterline, ordinal, progressive,
      rectilineal, rectilinear, right, ruler-straight, sequent,
      sequential, serial, seriate, smooth, straight, straight-cut,
      straight-front, straight-side, streamlined, successional,
      successive, tidemark, true, unbending, unbent, unbowed, unbroken,
      uncurved, undeflected, undeviating, undistorted, uninterrupted,
      unswerving, unturned, upright, vertical, waterline, watermark