/puyp"luyn'/ , n. , v. , pipelined, pipelining .
n.
1. a long tubular conduit or series of pipes, often underground, with pumps and valves for flow control, used to transport crude oil, natural gas, water, etc., esp. over great distances.
2. a route, channel, or process along which something passes or is provided at a steady rate; means, system, or flow of supply or supplies: Freighters and cargo planes are a pipeline for overseas goods.
3. a channel of information, esp. one that is direct, privileged, or confidential; inside source; reliable contact.
4. in the pipeline ,
a. Informal. in the process of being developed, provided, or completed; in the works; under way.
b. Govt. Informal. (of funds) authorized but not spent.
v.t.
5. to convey by or as if by pipeline: to pipeline oil from the far north to ice-free ports; to pipeline graduates into the top jobs.
[ 1855-60; PIPE 1 + LINE 1 ]