beeline
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From bee + line, via the belief that a bee returns to its hive in a straight course.
Pronunciation [edit]
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Audio (US) (file)
Noun [edit]
beeline (plural beelines)
- A very direct or quick path or trip.
- The children made a beeline to the swimming pool.
- 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses, Episode 16
- Discussing these and kindred topics they made a beeline across the back of the Customhouse and passed under the Loop Line bridge where a brazier of coke burning in front of a sentrybox or something like one attracted their rather lagging footsteps.
- (mining, chiefly historical) A dynamite fuse made with a small quantity of dynamite powder along its length, so that the spark travels quickly and at a specific known rate.
Translations [edit]
straight course, ignoring established paths of travel
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Verb [edit]
beeline (third-person singular simple present beelines, present participle beelining, simple past and past participle beelined)
- To travel in a straight course, ignoring established paths of travel.
