\ ˈlīn
\
\
Definition of line
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a
: a length of cord or cord-like material: such 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
used a line to level the foundation
d(1)
: piping for conveying a fluid (such as steam)
installed a new gas line
(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
2a(1)
: a horizontal row of written or printed characters
the last line on the page
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 (such as metrical feet)
The poem consisted of 14 lines.
(3)
: a distinct segment of a computer program containing a single command or a small number of commands
b
: a short letter : note
dropped him a line confirming the date
c
lines plural
: a certificate of marriage
d
: the words making up a part in a performance
—usually used in plural memorized his lines
e
: any of the successive horizontal rows of picture elements on the screen of a cathode-ray tube (such as a television screen)
3a
: something (such as a ridge or seam) that is distinct, elongated, and narrow
growth lines in a tree trunk
b
: a narrow crease (as on the face) : wrinkle
c
: the course or direction of something in motion : route
the line of flight of a bullet
d(1)
: a state of agreement or conformity : accordance
took a firm line with his nephew
(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 sense 1
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
4a
: a course of conduct, action, or thought
especially
: an official or public position
the party line
b
: a field of activity or interest
worked in the plumbing line
c
: a glib often persuasive way of talking
had a line to make the angels weep
b
: orderly arrangements made to cover extended military positions and presenting a front to the enemy
—usually used in plural the lines of battle
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
the eastern freight lines
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
a production line
(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: such 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 (such 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
9a
: a defining outline : contour
the rising line of the hills
b
: a general plan : model
—usually used in plural explained the lines of his foreign policy
b
: the unit of fineness of halftones expressed as the number of screen lines to the linear inch
11
: merchandise or services of the same general class for sale or regularly available
a full line of electrical supplies
12a
: 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
: line drive