The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Transverse \Trans*verse"\, a. [L. transversus, p. p. of
   transvertere to turn on direct across; trans across + vertere
   to turn: cf. F. transverse. See Verse, and cf. Traverse.]
   Lying or being across, or in a crosswise direction; athwart;
   -- often opposed to longitudinal.
   [1913 Webster]

   Transverse axis (of an ellipse or hyperbola) (Geom.), that
      axis which passes through the foci.

   Transverse partition (Bot.), a partition, as of a pericarp,
      at right angles with the valves, as in the siliques of
      mustard.
      [1913 Webster]