Pipeline

Definition

Pipeline typically refers to a long tube or series of connected tubes, often underground, for transporting oil, gas, water, etc. over long distances. In a broader context, it can also denote a channel or process in place for the development and progress of certain tasks or projects.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/
• Respelling: PIPE-line (with "PIPE" as in "pipe," and "line" as in "line")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/
• Respelling: PIPE-line (similar to American English, with "PIPE" as in "pipe," and "line" as in "line")

In both dialects, "pipeline" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "PIPE." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating each part of the compound word.

Etymology

The term "pipeline" is a combination of "pipe" and "line". Both words have Germanic origins. "Pipe" comes from the Old English "pipa", which in turn comes from the Latin "pipa", meaning "a pipe, tube". "Line" comes from the Old English "līne", derived from Latin "līnea" meaning "string, thread".

Derivatives

• Pipeliner
• Pipelineable
• Pipelining
• Pipelined
• Pipeline system

Synonyms

• Conduit
• Channel
• Duct

Antonyms

• None

Usage

"Pipeline" is commonly used in the context of oil and gas industries to refer to the transportation method of these commodities. In business jargon, it can also refer to the flow or process of tasks or projects, especially when discussing the stages of development. In computer science, "pipelining" is a term that refers to the process in which several instructions are overlapped in execution.

Related Terms

• Oil rig
• Flow
• Conveyance
• Transport system
• Infrastructure

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A long tube or system of connected tubes, often placed underground, used for transporting liquids or gases, especially over long distances.
• Example: "The new pipeline will carry natural gas from the north to the south of the country."

• A channel or process established for the development and progress of certain tasks or projects, often indicating a steady and continuous flow or supply.
• Example: "There are several innovative projects in the company's pipeline."

• In computing, a sequence of processing elements arranged so that the output of one element is the input of the next.
• Example: "Command-line interfaces often allow users to create a pipeline of commands."