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

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

In a situation like that, so-called accelerated depreciation may have a better shot at reflecting economic reality than the straight-line method.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

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 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