streamline

American  

[streem-lahyn] / ˈstrimˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a teardrop line of contour offering the least possible resistance to a current of air, water, etc.

2. the path of a particle that is flowing steadily and without turbulence in a fluid past an object.

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verb (used with object)

streamlined, streamlining

1. to make streamlined.

2. to alter in order to make more efficient or simple.

adjective

1. streamlined.

streamline British  

/ ˈstriːmˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a contour on a body that offers the minimum resistance to a gas or liquid flowing around it

2. an imaginary line in a fluid such that the tangent at any point indicates the direction of the velocity of a particle of the fluid at that point

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verb

1. to make streamlined

streamline Scientific  

/ strēm′līn′ /

1. To construct or reconstruct an object to reduce the amount of drag it undergoes as it moves through a fluid, especially air or water.

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streamline Cultural  

1. The line traced by a liquid or gas as it moves. Streamlines are most commonly used in describing the flow of a liquid or gas around a solid object.

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Discover More

A “streamlined” design is one in which objects that move through a gas or liquid are shaped to match these lines, and therefore reduce the energy required to produce that motion.

Etymology

Origin of streamline

First recorded in 1870–75; stream + line ¹

Example Sentences

The combination of the department-store chains, which also includes Saks OFF 5th, was a bid to create a luxury-retailing juggernaut better able to streamline costs and hang on to their wealthy shoppers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Belle Lin: What I’m hearing is that the gains are in automating workflows that were already on their way to becoming more streamlined with robotic process automation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Transit officials say the change will streamline operations and reduce maintenance costs tied to aging fare machines.

From Salon

Earlier this year, Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive order to streamline the recruitment process, and department officials say it is now showing positive results.

From Los Angeles Times

Prabowo has also so far ignored calls to declare it a national disaster, which would unlock emergency funds and streamline relief efforts.

From BBC

Related Words

• build
• carve
• construct
• embody
• fashion
• forge
• frame
• mold
• produce