Definition of transversal in geometry

A transversal is a line that intersects two or more other lines on a plane at two or more distinct points.

Transversal


In the figure above, the red line is a transversal.

  • A transversal does not have to cross parallel lines.
  • A line that crosses only one line is not a transversal.
  • It is not proper to say "transversal line" since the word transversal already means line.
  • In practice, a transversal usually cuts parallel lines.
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