straight-line

[ streyt-lahyn ]

adjective

1. Machinery.
   1. noting a machine or mechanism the working parts of which act or are arranged in a straight line.
   2. noting a mechanism for causing one part to move along a straight line.
2. Accounting. denoting uniform allocation, as in calculating the total depreciation over the life of a depreciable asset, dividing that into equal parts, and depreciating each segment at regular intervals.

straight-line

noun

1. (of a machine) having components that are arranged in a row or that move in a straight line when in operation
2. of or relating to a method of depreciation whereby equal charges are made against gross profit for each year of an asset's expected life

Word History and Origins

Origin of straight-line¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The research showed that the great majority of participants displayed a strong tendency to match R with the jagged line and L with the straight line, regardless of which was presented first.

From Science Daily

The exact impact of these tariffs is hard to discern, considering that the full effects can take years to settle in and the inflationary impact of the pandemic makes it difficult to draw straight lines.

From Salon

Progress has not been a straight line and the league collapsed within two years, but the impact was still far-reaching and, according to Scurry, "set the groundwork" for what has happened since.

From BBC

In New Mexico, nothing is a straight line.

From Los Angeles Times

Changes in state law governing juveniles have mattered little to crime victims who draw a straight line between Gascón’s actions and street violence.

From Los Angeles Times