a drawing intended to explain how something works; a drawing showing the relation between the parts
"The engineer drew a detailed diagram of the engine to show how each part connects and functions together."
A plan, drawing, sketch or outline to show how something works, or show the relationships between the parts of a whole.
"The engineer drew a detailed diagram of the engine to explain how the pistons move and connect to the crankshaft."
In plain English: A diagram is a simple drawing that shows how something works by using lines and shapes instead of words.
"The teacher drew a diagram on the board to show how the water cycle works."
Usage: Use this word when referring to any visual representation that explains how a system functions or illustrates connections within a group. It is often preferred over "drawing" because it specifically emphasizes clarity and structure rather than artistic detail.
To represent or indicate something using a diagram.
"The teacher asked students to diagram the water cycle on their notebooks."
In plain English: To diagram means to draw out how something works by showing its parts and connections clearly on paper.
"The teacher asked us to diagram the steps needed to solve the problem."
The word entered English via the French and Italian forms of diagram, which ultimately trace back to an Ancient Greek term meaning a drawing or inscription. Its core sense has remained consistent throughout its journey across languages as a visual representation of information.