[streak] n [ME streke, fr. OE strica; akin to OHG strich line, L striga row--more at strike] (bef. 12c) 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 several virus diseases of plants (as the potato, tomato, or raspberry) resembling mosaic but usu. 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 ~ in him" b: a brief run (as of luck) c: a consecutive series "was on a winning ~"
5: a narrow layer (as of ore)
6: an act or instance of streaking
[2]streak vt (1595): to make streaks on or in "tears ~ing her face" ~ vi 1: to move swiftly: rush "a jet ~ing across the sky"
2: to have a streak (as of winning or outstanding performances)
3: to run naked through a public place -- streak.er n