in-line

American  

[in-lahyn, in-lahyn] / ˌɪnˈlaɪn, ˈɪnˌlaɪn /

adjective

1. (of an internal-combustion engine) having the cylinders ranged side by side in one or more rows along the crankshaft.

---

in-line British  

adjective

1. denoting a linked sequence of manufacturing processes

2. denoting an internal-combustion engine having its cylinders arranged in a line

---

in line Idioms  

1. Also, in line with . In conformity or agreement; within ordinary or proper limits. For example, The new policy was intended to keep prices in line with their competitors , or It's up to the supervisor to keep the nurses in line . Also see fall in line .

2. Also, on line . Waiting behind others in a row or queue. For example, The children stood in line for their lunches , or There were at least 50 persons on line for opera tickets .

3. in line for . Next in order for, as in He is next in line for the presidency . All of these terms employ line in the sense of “an orderly row or series of persons or objects,” a usage dating from the 1500s.

---

Etymology

Origin of in-line

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

While the official contract cannot explicitly mention the practice of ghostwriting, rewriting, or in-line editing, it can acknowledge revision, commentary, and any form of feedback.

From Slate

When healthcare is in favor, it can trade close to in-line with the S&P 500.

From Barron's

It was the ‘Bullet N°2’ racing car, the first with an eight-cylinder, in-line engine, according to Eugene Hammond.

From Literature

Although the year over year sales growth rose to 11% from 10% in the fourth quarter, the $6.46 billion sales guidance for the current quarter was only in-line with what analysts had forecast.

From Barron's

The number of people who filed for unemployment benefits was 213,000 in the week through Feb. 28, in-line with the 213,000 reported a week earlier, the Labor Department said Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• consecutive
• nonstop
• short
• smooth
• solid
• straightforward
• successive
• true