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dotted line

American  

noun

  1. a line on a contract or similar document for a party's signature.

  2. a line at which a sheet of paper is perforated or a piece of it is to be detached.


idioms

  1. sign on the dotted line, to agree fully to terms or conditions.

  2. signature on the dotted line, full agreement to terms and conditions.

dotted line British  

noun

  1. a line of dots or dashes on a form or document

  2. to agree formally, esp by signing one's name on a document

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of dotted line

First recorded in 1770–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dotted line, FDH represents the course taken by a ray of light which is totally reflected at D in such fashion that angle FDA equals angle HDB.

From A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public by Wade, Frank Bertram

Dotted line encloses points of nine captures in April, May and June, 1951.

From A Population Study of the Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) in Northeastern Kansas by Martin, Edwin P.

Dotted line shows South-side route to the summit.

From The Mountain that was 'God' Being a Little Book About the Great Peak Which the Indians Named 'Tacoma' but Which is Officially Called 'Rainier' by Williams, John H. (John Harvey)

Dotted line represents value, figures in million dollars on right side Coffee Drinking in the United States Is the United States using more coffee than formerly, allowing for the increase in population?

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)

Dotted line shows place of excision for clearing out the anterior commissure to restore the voice.

From Bronchoscopy and Esophagoscopy A Manual of Peroral Endoscopy and Laryngeal Surgery by Jackson, Chevalier