I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1. archaic : a cord (as a fishline) made of hair
2.
a. : a very slender line
faint hairline of light around the edges of the windows — Shirley A. Grau
specifically : a tiny line or crack on a surface (as of paint)
b. : a very small difference : narrow margin
the hairline that divides the comic from the grotesque — Wolcott Gibbs
c.
(1) : a fine line connecting thicker strokes in a printed letter — called also thin stroke
(2) : a fine line on a printer's rule or ornament
(3) : a fine line drawn or etched for reproduction (as on a steel engraving)
(4) : a fine strand of surplus metal on the face of newly cast type or slugs : whisker
d.
(1) : a printed or woven textile design consisting of lengthwise or crosswise lines usually one thread wide
(2) : a fabric with such a design
3.
a. : the line at which the hair meets the scalp
receding hairline
b. : the way the hair frames the face
has a nice hairline
•
- to a hairline
II. adjective
1. : of or relating to a very slender line : thin
hairline mustache
hairline shading
2.
a. : hinging on very small differences : close
hairline victory
b. : marked by exactitude : precise
hairline accuracy