DEW line

[ doo, dyoo ]

noun

1. a 3,000-mile (4,800-km) long network of radar stations north of the Arctic Circle, maintained by the United States and Canada for providing advance warning of the approach of hostile planes, missiles, etc.

DEW line

/ djuː /

acronym for

1. distant early warning line, a network of radar stations situated mainly in Arctic regions to give early warning of aircraft or missile attack on North America

Word History and Origins

Origin of DEW line¹

First recorded in 1955–60; D(istant) E(arly) W(arning)

Example Sentences

He quit his job as a technician at the National Research Council in 1960 to take a highly paid civilian job at various Arctic DEW line radar bases that, along with two other radar lines farther south, watched the skies for signs of a Soviet attack on North America.

From New York Times

He runs a virtual museum devoted to the DEW Line, a chain of 63 radar bases mostly in Canada’s Arctic.

From New York Times

Pure Cycles Urban Commuter Bike Best hybrid commuter bikes $499 on REI Kona Dew Crooks told us that Kona makes some great commuter bikes, and for a midpriced option, he recommends a bike from its Dew line.

From The Verge

U.S. and Canadian authorities have already remediated much of this pollution at DEW Line stations in North America.

From Science Magazine

Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Adam and I headed out in the afternoon, traveling on the ocean ice past the DEW line complex, and then cutting across the hilly shoreline into Husky Lakes.

From New York Times