main line
/'mein'lain/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The principal route of a transportation system: The most important or central track, road, or route in a network, such as a railway or highway system.
Usage
- The term "main line" is used to designate the primary artery of travel or transport within a larger system. It is often contrasted with branch lines, sidings, or local routes.
Examples
- Noun:
- The train was delayed on the main line due to signal failure.
- Intercity trains always run on the main line, while local services use the branch lines.
Advanced Usage
- "Main line" as a historical term in railroading: In railroad terminology, the main line is the route between major terminals or cities that carries the highest volume of traffic.
- The company invested millions to electrify its busiest main line.
- Figurative Use: The term can be used metaphorically to describe a primary channel, conduit, or method for anything being distributed.
- This fiber optic cable is the main line for the country's internet data.
Variants and Related Words
- Mainline (verb, slang): To inject a drug intravenously. (Note: This is a distinct, slang usage derived from the concept of a "main" blood vessel, not the transportation definition).
- Mainliner (noun, slang): A person who injects drugs intravenously.
Synonyms
- Trunk line: A main line of a railway, telephone, or other system.
- Principal route: The most important way or course.
- Artery: A major route in a transportation system.
Notes on Different Meanings
- The primary definition provided here is for "main line" as a noun phrase in transportation contexts.
- A separate, well-known slang meaning exists (as referenced in the context) relating to intravenous drug injection. These are considered homographs (same spelling, different meaning) and should be treated as distinct entries in a comprehensive dictionary. This entry focuses solely on the transportation definition.
Noun
- the principal route of a transportation system