streak

I. noun Etymology: Middle English streke, from Old English strica; akin to Old High German strich line, Latin striga row — more at strike Date: before 12th century 1. a line or mark of a different color or texture from the ground ; stripe 2. a. the color of the fine powder of a mineral obtained by scratching or rubbing against a hard white surface and constituting an important distinguishing character b. inoculum implanted in a line on a solid medium c. any of numerous virus diseases of plants (as tobacco and maize) resembling mosaic but usually producing at least some linear markings 3. a. a narrow band of light b. a lightning bolt 4. a. a slight admixture ; trace <

had a mean streak in him

> b. a brief run (as of luck) c. a consecutive series <

was on a winning streak

> 5. a narrow layer (as of fat) 6. an act or instance of streaking II. verb Date: 1576 transitive verb to make streaks on or in <

tears streaking her face

> intransitive verb 1. to move swiftly ; rush <

a jet streaking across the sky

> 2. to have a streak (as of winning or outstanding performances) 3. to run naked through a public place • streaker noun