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

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

But investors should resist assuming a straight-line recovery.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

During the second week of pre-season testing, Ferrari turned heads with their rotating 'upside down' rear wing when the car's straight-line mode was activated.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

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

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir