straight-line

American  

[streyt-lahyn] / ˈstreɪtˈlaɪn /

adjective

1. Machinery.

   1. noting a machine or mechanism the working parts of which act or are arranged in a straight line.

   2. noting a mechanism for causing one part to move along a straight line.

2. Accounting. denoting uniform allocation, as in calculating the total depreciation over the life of a depreciable asset, dividing that into equal parts, and depreciating each segment at regular intervals.

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straight-line British  

noun

1. (of a machine) having components that are arranged in a row or that move in a straight line when in operation

2. of or relating to a method of depreciation whereby equal charges are made against gross profit for each year of an asset's expected life

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Etymology

Origin of straight-line

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

But the question of how we get there means everything, and all this straight-line script can devise in terms of motivation is to have characters give up creating fake drama.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

But stocks don’t always go up, and even when they do, they aren’t always committed to a straight-line advance.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025

The closest he got was on lap 11, but the Red Bull's straight-line speed was enough to allow Verstappen, even without the DRS overtaking aid, to stay just out of reach.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025

The perfect flag football player combines that straight-line speed with quickness.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2025

It's right in my straight-line path toward Schiaparelli.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir