centerline

Definition

An imaginary line running down the middle of something that divides it into theoretically equal halves, used in everything from engineering drawings to airport runways. It's the line you're supposed to stay on but never quite do. In aviation, it's the stripe pilots aim for when landing, and in manufacturing, it's the reference point for all your measurements.

Example Usage

The pilot drifted off the centerline during landing, giving everyone a scenic tour of the runway's shoulder.

Source: Engineering and technical terminology

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