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Glite Dictionary
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plot line

plot line

3.5
The line on a graph that shows how a number changes over time
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : línea de tendencia
  • In the data visualization, the plot line indicates the decline in sales each quarter.

Examples

  • The plot line on the graph clearly illustrates the increase in temperature over the past decade.

  • The presentation featured a plot line that showed how customer satisfaction levels changed over the years.

  • When using independent scales, people ought to try not to make plot lines intersect.

    Blog text (23)

Synonyms

curve
vsplot line
209 2.3

A smooth, rounded shape or line that often shows change

is the specific graph line showing how a variable changes
trend line
vsplot line
  • Specialized
9 3.5

A straight line on a graph showing the general direction of data points

looks at individual values on the graph rather than summarising their pattern
trendline
vsplot line
  • Specialized
2 4.1

A line on a graph that shows how numbers move over time

focuses on exact variable values across time or categories rather than general direction
spline
vsplot line
  • Specialized
1 8.2

A smooth curve made from connected small parts used to draw or fit shapes

is the simple visual data line showing measured variable changes rather than mathematical methods
regression curve
vsplot line
  • Specialized
6.4

A smooth line or curve fitted to data points to show how two things are related

is the value line on a graph rather than a statistical model fitted to data

How Variable

jagged
22 3.6
steep
131 2.5
plot line
  • Specialized
3.5
gentle
27 1.0
flatline
8 6.5

Surface Forms

plot line singular
plot lines plural

Morphology

plot + line

The meaning of 'plot line' is directly compositional: 'plot' (to draw or represent data on a graph) combined with 'line' (a mark or trace) yields a line that represents plotted values. This follows a common noun-compounding/verb+noun pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Plot line comes from making a graph: you plot points for each value and draw a line to connect them so you can see rises and falls. So, it means the 'line on a graph' that 'shows how something changes over time or between groups'.