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air-line

American  
[air-lahyn] / ˈɛərˌlaɪn /

adjective

  1. straight; direct; traveling a direct route.

    Some railroads advertise air-line routes between stations.


Etymology

Origin of air-line

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

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.

See Examples For:

They dread his competition in securing Government contracts, but would be delighted to see him use his unique experience in air transportation in an experimental air-line venture here.

From Time Magazine Archive

Over it a direct air-line course was possible.

From My Attainment of the Pole by Frederick A. Cook

Leaving the air-line grade he swooped around the curve, when right in his face and eyes he saw a string of loose cars, which had broken from the special on the highlands.

From Golden Days for Boys and Girls, Vol. XII, Jan. 3, 1891 by James Elverson

Eva started pumping, while with her other hand she carefully paid out the air-line and signal-cord.

From The Master Mystery by Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve

He is the clipper of the skies' air-line.

From The Puddleford Papers, Or Humors of the West by H. H. Riley

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