ˈstreamlining, vbl. n.
[f. streamline v. + -ing1.]
1. a. Streamlined shape or design. b. The action of giving something a streamlined shape.
| 1918 H. Barber Aeroplane Speaks (ed. 6) 61 The weight of the stream-lining is always paid for many times over by the greater velocity and consequent increase of lift due to the decreased drift. 1921 Discovery Apr. 98/1 This probably is partly due..to the careful streamlining of the machine [sc. an aircraft] and the sensible distribution and installation of the engines. 1932 D. L. Sayers Have his Carcase vi. 76 The car glided away amid the reverent murmurings..of persons gathered..to admire its streamlining. 1936 Discovery Feb. 40/1 To diminish air-resistance by the streamlining of both engine and train. 1950 Times 5 May 5/6 A large engine does not necessarily mean a large wash. Bad streamlining and excessive speed create the wash. 1955 Sci. Amer. Mar. 90/3 The streamlining of birds of course is the envy of all aircraft designers. 1965 H. Hood in R. Weaver Canad. Short Stories (1968) 2nd Ser. 219 ‘That's quite a car, Mister.’ ‘Yes, that's what they call streamlining.’ 1980 Daily Tel. 24 Sept 12/2 The drag factor of a car is becoming an increasingly significant item... It is, loosely, what used to be referred to as the streamlining effect. |
2. transf. and fig. a. The action or result of giving smooth, flowing lines to something.
| 1934 Punch 19 Dec. 691/1 This ‘streamlining’ bunkum is spreading from the sordid realms of mere mechanics to those of everyday life, even to human physiognomy. 1937 G. Frankau More of Us vi. 70 ‘I find these modern figures far too arty,’ Continued Sophie, obviously not repining Tho' hers had long since faltered from streamlining. 1940 Graves & Hodge Long Week-End xi. 181 The use of streamlining as a modern style in domestic objects. |
b. Simplification of procedures, an organization, or the like to improve efficiency.
| 1959 Daily Tel. 24 July 5/7 (heading) Railway streamlining to be speeded. 1965 Listener 3 June 822/2 The streamlining of the administrative and financial planning structure was as urgent as was the physical planning in 1961. 1970 Daily Tel. 18 Mar. 2/5 As a result of a streamlining operation the weekly expenses had been cut from {pstlg}1,200 to {pstlg}700. 1978 R. Lewis Inevitable Fatality ii. 42 If there's to be a streamlining..some heads will have to roll. |