plumb line

plumb line
noun Date: 15th century 1. a line (as of cord) that has at one end a weight (as a plumb bob) and is used especially to determine verticality 2. a line directed to the center of gravity of the earth ; a vertical line

New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Plumb line — Plumb Plumb (pl[u^]m), n. [F. plomb, L. plumbum lead, a leaden ball or bullet; cf. Gr. mo lybos, mo libos, mo lybdos. Cf. {Plummet}, {Plunge}.] A little mass or weight of lead, or the like, attached to a line, and used by builders, etc., to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • plumb line — plumb′ line n. 1) naut. sur navig. a cord with a lead bob attached to one end, used to determine perpendicularity, the depth of water, etc Compare plumb 1) 2) sur bui plumb rule • Etymology: 1530–40 …   From formal English to slang

  • plumb line — ► NOUN ▪ a line with a plumb attached to it …   English terms dictionary

  • plumb line — n. 1. see PLUMB (n. ) 2. a vertical line …   English World dictionary

  • plumb line — plumb lines N COUNT A plumb line is a piece of string with a weight attached to the end that is used to check that something such as a wall is vertical or that it slopes at the correct angle …   English dictionary

  • plumb line — n a piece of string with a small heavy object tied to one end, used for measuring the depth of water, or for checking whether something such as a wall is built exactly upright …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • plumb line — plumb ,line noun count a piece of string with a metal object attached to the bottom, used for checking whether a wall is straight or for measuring the depth of water …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • plumb line — noun a cord from which a metal weight is suspended pointing directly to the earth s center of gravity; used to determine the vertical from a given point (Freq. 1) • Syn: ↑perpendicular • Hypernyms: ↑cord • Hyponyms: ↑lead line, ↑sounding …   Useful english dictionary

  • plumb line — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms plumb line : singular plumb line plural plumb lines a piece of string with a metal object fixed to the bottom, used for checking whether a wall is straight or for measuring the depth of water …   English dictionary

  • plumb-line — ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ transitive verb Etymology: plumb line : to test the verticality or find the depth of by means of a plumb line; broadly : test, scrutinize …   Useful english dictionary

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