schematic

views updated May 18 2018

sche·mat·ic / skəˈmatik; skē-/ • adj. (of a diagram or other representation) symbolic and simplified. ∎  (of thought, ideas, etc.) simplistic or formulaic in character, usually to an extent inappropriate to the complexities of the subject matter: a highly schematic reading of the play.• n. (in technical contexts) a schematic diagram, in particular of an electric or electronic circuit.DERIVATIVES: sche·mat·i·cal·ly / -ik(ə)lē/ adv.