n.
Pronunciation: ' str ē k
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English streke, from Old English strica; akin to Old High German strich line, Latin striga row ― more at STRIKE
Date: before 12th century
1 : a line or mark of a different color or texture from the ground : STRIPE
2 a : the color of the fine powder of a mineral obtained by scratching or rubbing against a hard white surface and constituting an important distinguishing character b : inoculum implanted in a line on a solid medium c : any of numerous virus diseases of plants (as tobacco and maize) resembling mosaic but usually producing at least some linear markings
3 a : a narrow band of light b : a lightning bolt
4 a : a slight admixture : TRACE <had a mean streak in him> b : a brief run (as of luck) c : a consecutive series <was on a winning streak >
5 : a narrow layer (as of fat)
6 : an act or instance of streaking