- plumb line
- `plumb ,line noun counta 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. 2013.
plumb line
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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 — 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
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
