line
1line
noun, often attributive \ˈlīn\Definition of LINE
1
a : a length of cord or cord-like material: as (1) : a comparatively strong slender cord (2) : clothesline (3) : a rope used on shipboard b (1) : a device for catching fish consisting of a cord with hooks and other fishing gear (2) : scope for activity : rope c : a length of material used in measuring and leveling d (1) : piping for conveying a fluid (as steam) (2) : a narrow short synthetic tube that is inserted approximately one inch into a vein (as of the arm) to provide temporary intravenous access for the administration of fluid, medication, or nutrients e (1) : a wire or pair of wires connecting one telegraph or telephone station with another or a whole system of such wires; also : any circuit in an electronic communication system (2) : a telephone connection <tried to get a line>; also : an individual telephone extension <a call on line 2> (3) : the principal circuits of an electric power system
2
a (1) : a horizontal row of written or printed characters; also : a blank row in lieu of such characters (2) : a unit in the rhythmic structure of verse formed by the grouping of a number of the smallest units of the rhythm (as metrical feet) (3) : a distinct segment of a computer program containing a single command or a small number of commands b : a short letter : note c plural : a certificate of marriage d : the words making up a part in a drama —usually used in plural e : any of the successive horizontal rows of picture elements on the screen of a cathode-ray tube (as a television screen)
3
a : something (as a ridge or seam) that is distinct, elongated, and narrow b : a narrow crease (as on the face) : wrinkle c : the course or direction of something in motion : route d (1) : a state of agreement or conformity : accordance (2) : a state of order, control, or obedience <wouldn't let them get out of line> e (1) : a boundary of an area <the state line> (2) : distinction 2 <the fine line between love and hate> f : the track and roadbed of a railway g : an amount of cocaine that is arranged in a line to be inhaled through the nose
4
a : a course of conduct, action, or thought; especially : an official or public position <the party line> b : a field of activity or interest c : a glib often persuasive way of talking
6
a (1) : family, lineage (2) : a strain produced and maintained especially by selective breeding or biological culture (3) : a chronological series b : dispositions made to cover extended military positions and presenting a front to the enemy —usually used in plural c : a military formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other d : naval ships arranged in a regular order e (1) : the combatant forces of an army distinguished from the staff corps and supply services (2) : the force of a regular navy f (1) : officers of the navy eligible for command at sea distinguished from officers of the staff (2) : officers of the army belonging to a combatant branch g : an arrangement or placement of persons or objects of one kind in an orderly series <a line of trees> <stand on line> <waiting in line>; also : the persons or objects so positioned <the line moved slowly at the bank> h (1) : a group of public conveyances plying regularly under one management over a route (2) : a system of transportation together with its equipment, routes, and appurtenances; also : the company owning or operating it i : a succession of musical notes especially considered in melodic phrases j (1) : an arrangement of operations in manufacturing permitting sequential occurrence on various stages of production (2) : the personnel of an organization that are responsible for its stated objective k (1) : the seven players including center, two guards, two tackles, and two ends who in offensive football play line up on or within one foot of the line of scrimmage (2) : the players who in defensive play line up within one yard of the line of scrimmage l : a group of three players including a left winger, center, and right winger who play together as a unit in hockey
7
: a narrow elongated mark drawn or projected: as a (1) : a circle of latitude or longitude on a map (2) : equator b : a mark (as on a map) recording a boundary, division, or contour c : any of the horizontal parallel strokes on a music staff on or between which notes are placed — compare space d : a mark (as by pencil) that forms part of the formal design of a picture distinguished from the shading or color e : a division on a bridge score dividing the score for bonuses from that for tricks f (1) : a demarcation of a limit with reference to which the playing of some game or sport is regulated —usually used in combination (2) : a marked or imaginary line across a playing area (as a football field) parallel to the end line (3) : line of scrimmage
8
: a straight or curved geometric element that is generated by a moving point and that has extension only along the path of the point : curve
10
11
: merchandise or services of the same general class for sale or regularly available
12
a : a source of information : insight b : betting odds offered by a bookmaker especially on a sporting event
13
: a complete game of 10 frames in bowling —called also string
14
— liny also lin·ey \ˈlī-nē\ adjective
— between the lines
1
: by implication : in an indirect way
2
: by way of inference
— down the line
1
: all the way : fully
2
: in the future
— in line for
: due or in a position to receive
— on line
: in or into operation
— on the line
1
: at great risk <puts his future on the line by backing that policy>
2
: on the border between two categories
See Examples of LINE
- I drew a straight line down the page to separate the two lists.
- Cut the paper along the dotted line.
- a tennis serve that was over the line
- After three hours on the road, they finally crossed the state line.
- Their yards were separated by a line of trees.
- Everybody had to get in line and wait their turn.
- The people were waiting in line.
Origin of LINE
Middle English; partly from Anglo-French lingne, from Latin linea, from feminine of lineus made of flax, from linum flax; partly from Old English līne; akin to Old English līn flax — more at linen
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to LINE
Rhymes with LINE
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