n.
Pronunciation: ' l ī n
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English; partly from Anglo-French lingne, from Latin linea, from feminine of lineus made of flax, from linum flax; partly from Old English l ī ne; akin to Old English l ī n flax ― more at LINEN
Date: before 12th century
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
5 a : LIMIT , RESTRAINT b archaic : position in life : LOT
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
9 a : a defining outline : CONTOUR b : a general plan : MODEL ― usually used in plural
10 a chiefly British : PICA ― used to indicate the size of large type 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
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 : LINE DRIVE
– liny also lin · ey \ ' l ī -n ē \ 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