centerline

or cen·ter line

[ sen-ter-lahyn ]

noun

1. any line that bisects a plane figure:

   the centerline of a building plan.

2. a line along the center of a road or highway dividing it into separate sections for traffic moving in opposite directions.
3. Radio. the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting two radio transmitters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of centerline¹

First recorded in 1800–10; center + line ¹

Example Sentences

Officials said an initial investigation found that the woman was driving a Toyota Rav4 and headed north on Fleetwood Drive when she crossed over the centerline and hit the Mack truck head on, police said.

From Washington Post

The check valves are placed slightly below the centerline of the boiler (fig. 18).

From Project Gutenberg

The opposing surface is not flat, but slopes away from the centerline like a boat's bow.

From Project Gutenberg

The check valves are placed slightly below the centerline of the boiler (fig. 18).

From Project Gutenberg

Daoud climbed a ladder, raised the heavy door, and found himself on a walkway built over the centerline of a roof.

From Project Gutenberg

A single leeboard was fitted and secured to the hull with a short piece of line made fast to the centerline of the boat.

From Project Gutenberg