Alines

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Places things into a straight line or brings them into correct position relative to one another
2. Arranges parts so that they sit in a straight row or match a common reference point
3. Brings objects or components into exact alignment, often by lining them up with a guide

Etymology: "Alines" is simply the third-person singular present form of "aline", so the history belongs to the verb itself. "Aline" is built from the prefix "a-" and the noun "line", with the sense of bringing things into a straight row. English also had a Middle English form, "alinen", which meant "copulate", and an earlier borrowing from Middle French "aligner", the source of the modern verb's shape. The older, more literal sense of putting things in a line has largely given way to the general idea of arranging or adjusting something so that it is properly lined up.

Synonyms: align, straighten

Antonyms: misalign