alignment
[uh-lahyn-muh nt]
- an adjustment to a line; arrangement in a straight line.
- the line or lines so formed.
- the proper adjustment of the components of an electronic circuit, machine, etc., for coordinated functioning: The front wheels of the car are out of alignment.
- a state of agreement or cooperation among persons, groups, nations, etc., with a common cause or viewpoint.
- a ground plan of a railroad or highway.
- Archaeology. a line or an arrangement of parallel or converging lines of upright stones or menhirs.
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Also a·line·ment.
Origin of alignment
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for alignment
Contemporary Examples
Curbs at nearly the exact same spot on opposite sides of the street are popped out of alignment.
At least father and son were in alignment on this central thesis: acting “gay”—bad; being thought of as gay—bad.
Other theories hold that it was a supernova or an alignment of two or three planets.
Psychics and astrologers were employed to attack the enemy and plan tactics based on the alignment of the stars.
“His alignment with NOM was really part of a downhill spiral for him,” he said.
Historical Examples
As long as this alignment of forces could not be effected the retreat had to continue.
There was no alignment—regiments were dashed to pieces—everybody was mixed up.
The Long RollMary Johnston
The riflemen had learned their lesson, however, and maintained their alignment.
A Virginia ScoutHugh Pendexter
To preserve the alignment when marching; Guide Right (or left).
But this alignment was not the circumstance that struck me as singular.
The Wild HuntressMayne Reid
alignment
- arrangement in a straight line
- the line or lines formed in this manner
- alliance or union with a party, cause, etc
- proper or desirable coordination or relation of components
- a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc
- archaeol an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance
- psychol integration or harmonization of aims, practices, etc within a group
- psychol identification with or matching of the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person
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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
Word Origin and History for alignment
n.
1790, "arrangement in a line," from French alignement, from aligner (see align). Political sense is from 1933.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper