streamline

[ streem-lahyn ]

noun

1. a teardrop line of contour offering the least possible resistance to a current of air, water, etc.
2. the path of a particle that is flowing steadily and without turbulence in a fluid past an object.

verb (used with object)

, stream·lined, stream·lin·ing.

1. to make streamlined.
2. to alter in order to make more efficient or simple.

adjective

1. streamlined.

streamline

/ ˈstriːmˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a contour on a body that offers the minimum resistance to a gas or liquid flowing around it
2. an imaginary line in a fluid such that the tangent at any point indicates the direction of the velocity of a particle of the fluid at that point

verb

1. to make streamlined

streamline

/ strēm′līn′ /

1. To construct or reconstruct an object to reduce the amount of drag it undergoes as it moves through a fluid, especially air or water.

streamline

1. The line traced by a liquid or gas as it moves. Streamlines are most commonly used in describing the flow of a liquid or gas around a solid object.

Notes

A “streamlined” design is one in which objects that move through a gas or liquid are shaped to match these lines, and therefore reduce the energy required to produce that motion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of streamline¹

First recorded in 1870–75; stream + line ¹

Example Sentences

"If we can streamline that process, then we'll be able to capture data more easily -- and help shed new light on how pregnant people actually eat."

From Science Daily

He told The Times last year that he used techniques he had learned as a McKinsey consultant to streamline his business.

From Los Angeles Times

"It would mean that not everyone currently employed at HQ will continue with us but a streamlined headquarters protects the long-term finances of the party and delivers on the modern, professional, election-winning organisation Scotland needs."

From BBC

The president-elect said Musk's new Department of Government Efficiency would issue a series of reports in the coming weeks to streamline the US government.

From BBC

“We have the ability to put 60 through each class, and we’re not seeing close to that,” he said, adding he hoped the department would soon streamline the hiring process.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• build
• carve
• construct
• embody
• fashion
• forge
• frame
• mold
• produce