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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of straight-line

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

"We know we're going to have some tracks where the straight-line speeds are going to be far quicker than last year and some tracks are going to be more challenging," Russell said.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026

But in the real world, engaged in the daily tedium of commuting, the SS’s straight-line superlatives amount to little.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

The minimum straight-line distance between those breeding grounds is about 14,200 kilometers, roughly equivalent to the distance from Sydney to London.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

One of the biggest mistakes people make is treating retirement as a straight-line plan.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

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

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir