straight-line

American  

[streyt-lahyn] / ˈstreɪtˈlaɪn /

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.

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straight-line British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of straight-line

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

That's to increase straight-line speed to enable more energy harvesting under braking.

From BBC

Straight-line is the prevailing method, where each year of depreciation expense for a given purchase is the same.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a situation like that, so-called accelerated depreciation may have a better shot at reflecting economic reality than the straight-line method.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under the straight-line method, the accumulated depreciation during year three would be less than half of the purchase price.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its combination of power, aerodynamics, and sheer straight-line speed all but guaranteed that a bright orange blur would be way out in front.

From The Wall Street Journal