pipeline English · revision 10409

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1856}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a compound of [[pipe]] and [[line]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A continuous conduit of pipes, chiefly underground: 1856 in Merriam-Webster, 1859 in Etymonline;^(MWU 2024)^(Etymonline) the RHWU dates it to 1855–60.^(RHWU)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The figurative sense, a channel of communication, is from 1921,^(Etymonline) and a system of supply from which things will come, as in the phrase ''in the pipeline'', is a later use.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002) In surfers' slang the hollow part of a large breaking wave is a pipeline, attested by 1963.^(Etymonline) The verb, to convey by pipeline, also exists.^(MWU 2024)^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1856 – a line of pipes.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1921 – a channel of information.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1963 – the hollow of a wave (surfing).^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A long [[pipe]] or line of pipes for carrying oil, gas or water over long distances.^(AHD)^(MWU 2024)

+ # A direct channel for passing information.^(AHD)^(MWU 2024)

+ # A system of supply or production; something ''in the pipeline'' is under way.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To convey by a pipeline.^(AHD)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[pipeliner]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[pipe]]

+ * [[line]]

+ * [[conduit]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}