Line Comes From the Word for Flax
A line is a long narrow mark. The Latin root named the thread spun from flax.
A line is a long narrow mark, a length of cord, or a row of people or things. Latin *linea* meant a linen thread, from *linum*, flax — a builder's line was literally a stretched string, and the geometric line is an abstraction from that. *Linen* is the same root, and so is *lingerie*, through French, because underwear was made of linen. A *line* of descent gives *lineage*, and *delineate* means to mark out with lines.
- A long mark. *Draw a line.*
- A cord. *A fishing line.*
- A row. *A line of people.*
- Linen — the same root. *Linen.*
- Latin — *linum*, flax. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | line | A line. |
| Plural | lines | Lines. |
| Verb | line | Lining. |
| Related | linen | Linen. |
| Latin | linum | Flax. |
- Draw a straight line.Mark.
- The fishing line snapped.Cord.
- Linum means flax.Etymology.
The flax family
- Linen — cloth woven from flax
- Lingerie — French, from *linge*, linen
- Lineage — a line of descent
- Delineate — to mark out with lines
- Linoleum — from linseed oil, pressed from flax seed
Latin *linea*, a linen thread or string, from *linum*, flax.
Are line and linen related?
Yes. Both come from Latin linum, flax. A line was originally a stretched linen thread.
Is lingerie part of the same family?
Yes, through French linge meaning linen, because such garments were traditionally made from it.