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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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]