pure line

noun

, Genetics.

1. a uniform strain of organisms that is relatively pure genetically because of continued inbreeding and artificial selection.

pure line

noun

1. a breed or strain of animals or plants in which certain characters appear in successive generations as a result of inbreeding or self-fertilization

Word History and Origins

Origin of pure line¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The line may be of varying form, changing from silhouette to pure line as may best serve to express the design.

From Project Gutenberg

Her head was thrown back, so that her rounded throat stood out, and the pure line of her lower jaw was salient.

From Project Gutenberg

Truly the designer may find a great range of expression within the dominion of pure line.

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as the pure line is separated further selection becomes superfluous.

From Project Gutenberg

But within the pure line any seed, large or small, produces the average result for that line.

From Project Gutenberg