How Do You Spell PLUMB LINE?

Pronunciation: [plˈʌm lˈa͡ɪn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "plumb line" may seem confusing, but it aligns perfectly with its pronunciation. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), "plumb" is pronounced as /plʌm/ with a short "u" sound, and "line" is pronounced as /laɪn/ with a long "i" sound. The word refers to a tool used for determining vertical alignment, such as when hanging pictures or installing plumbing. Remembering the correct spelling and pronunciation of "plumb line" will help ensure accurate results in your home improvement projects.

PLUMB LINE Meaning and Definition

1. A plumb line is a simple and fundamental tool used in various professions and construction tasks. It refers to a cord or string with a weight attached at one end, typically made of metal or lead, used to determine verticality or establish a true perpendicular line. The term 'plumb' originates from the Latin word 'plumbum,' meaning lead, due to the historical use of lead weights.

   By suspending a plumb line freely, the weight naturally aligns with the Earth's gravitational pull, indicating the direction of the local vertical line. This gravitational force enables the plumb line to help determine accurate vertical or perpendicular measurements, ensuring precision and balance in construction, surveying, and other related fields. Carpenters, masons, and architects commonly employ plumb lines to ensure the vertical alignment of walls, columns, windows, and other structural elements, guaranteeing stable and level construction.

   In addition to construction, plumb lines have been utilized historically in navigation to determine the ship's tilt and provide guidance for maintaining stability. They have also played a role in determining the depth of wells and establishing precise vertical locations in geological surveys.

   Today, plumb lines are available in various forms, including traditional strings with weights and modern laser levels that project a vertical beam. These tools are essential in ensuring accuracy, balance, and stability in a wide range of applications, relying on the principle of gravity and verticality to achieve optimal results.

2. • Perpendicular; downright.

   • Perpendicularly; heavily.

   • To adjust to the perpendicular by a plumb-line; to search the depth of by a line with a weight at its end; to sound.

   • A line or cord having a piece of lead at one end, suspended from a frame or narrow board; a line perpendicular to the plane of the horizon.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PLUMB LINE

• olumb line
• llumb line
• -lumb line
• 0lumb line
• pkumb line
• ppumb line
• poumb line
• plymb line
• plhmb line
• pljmb line
• plimb line
• pl8mb line
• pl7mb line
• plunb line
• plukb line
• plujb line
• plumv line
• plumn line
• plumh line

Etymology of PLUMB LINE

The word "plumb line" has its roots in the Old French language. It comes from the word "plombe" which means "lead". In turn, "plombe" is derived from the Latin word "plumbum", which also means "lead". The concept of a plumb line, a string or cord with a weight at the end used to determine verticality or alignment, has been used in construction and various other fields for centuries. The term "plumb line" itself emerged in the English language around the 14th century.

Similar spelling words for PLUMB LINE

• plumbism,
• plumbic,
• plumb rule,
• plumb level,
• plumbing,
• plumb bob,
• plumbed,
• plump in,
• plumbable,
• plumbaginales,
• plumbery,
• plumber.

Plural form of PLUMB LINE is PLUMB LINES