LINEARLY

linearly

(adverb) in a linear manner; “linearly polarized radiation”; “it grew linearly”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

linearly (comparative more linearly, superlative most linearly)

In a linear manner.

In a straight line.

Sequentially in time; chronologically.

In the manner of a linear function.

(dance) Forward or backward, as opposed to laterally or diagonally.

Source: Wiktionary

Lin"e*ar*ly, adv.

Definition: In a linear manner; with lines.

LINEAR

Lin"e*ar, a. Etym: [L. linearis, linearius , fr. linea line: cf. F. linéaire. See 3d Line.]

1. Of or pertaining to a line; consisting of lines; in a straight direction; lineal.

2. (Bot.)

Definition: Like a line; narrow; of the same breadth throughout, except at the extremities; as, a linear leaf. Linear differential (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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition