Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

straightedge

[streyt-ej]
See more synonyms for straightedge on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a bar or strip of wood, plastic, or metal having at least one long edge of sufficiently reliable straightness for use in drawing or testing straight lines, plane surfaces, etc.
Show More

Origin of straightedge

First recorded in 1805–15; straight + edge

straight-edge

[streyt-ej]
adjective
  1. advocating abstinence from alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and sex and sometimes advocating vegetarianism.
Show More
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for straightedge

Historical Examples

  • The first requisite for this is a straightedge of iron or brass, as true as possible.

    The Invention of Lithography

    Alois Senefelder

  • It is necessary also that the straightedge be applied frequently.

  • The cutter is guided along the straightedge as shown in Fig. 1.

  • The straightedge and the compasses are the only two drawing instruments recognized in elementary geometry.

    The Teaching of Geometry

    David Eugene Smith

  • In other words, the trisection of any angle, by the use of the straightedge and compasses alone, is impossible.

    The Teaching of Geometry

    David Eugene Smith

British Dictionary definitions for straightedge

straightedge

noun
  1. a stiff strip of wood or metal that has one edge straight and true and is used for ruling and testing straight lines
Show More
Derived Formsstraightedged, adjective

straight-edge

adjective
  1. informal not indulging in any kind of drug-taking or sexual activities
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012