plumb line
noun
a cord with a lead bob attached to one end, used to determine perpendicularity, the depth of water, etc.
Compare plumb(def 1).
Origin of plumb line
First recorded in 1530–40
Words nearby plumb line
plumage,
plumate,
plumb,
plumb bob,
plumb joint,
plumb line,
plumb rule,
plumbaginaceous,
plumbaginous,
plumbago,
plumbeous
Example sentences from the Web for plumb line
British Dictionary definitions for plumb line
plumb line
noun
a string with a metal weight at one end that, when suspended, points directly towards the earth's centre of gravity and so is used to determine verticality, the depth of water, etc
another name for plumb rule
Scientific definitions for plumb line
plumb line
[ plŭm ]
A line regarded as directed exactly toward the Earth's center of gravity.