First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1streak
noun \ˈstrēk\
: a long, thin mark that is a different color from its background
: a quality that is noticeable especially because it is different from a person's other qualities
: a period of repeated success or failure
Full Definition of STREAK
1
: a line or mark of a different color or texture from the ground : stripe
2
a : the color of the fine powder of a mineral obtained by scratching or rubbing against a hard white surface and constituting an important distinguishing character b : inoculum implanted in a line on a solid medium c : any of numerous virus diseases of plants (as tobacco and corn) resembling mosaic but usually producing at least some linear markings
3
a : a narrow band of light b : a lightning bolt
4
a : a slight admixture : trace <had a mean streak in him> b : a brief run (as of luck) c : a consecutive series <was on a winning streak>
5
: a narrow layer (as of fat)
6
: an act or instance of streaking
See streak defined for English-language learners
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Origin of STREAK
Middle English streke, from Old English strica; akin to Old High German strich line, Latin striga row — more at strike
2streak
verb
: to make long lines of a different color on or in (something)
: to go or move very quickly
: to run through a public place naked in order to get attention
Full Definition of STREAK
transitive verb : to make streaks on or in <tears streaking her face>
intransitive verb
1
: to move swiftly : rush <a jet streaking across the sky>
2
: to have a streak (as of winning or outstanding performances)
3
: to run naked through a public place
— streak·er noun
See streak defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STREAK
1576
STREAK[1] Defined for Kids
1streak
noun \ˈstrēk\
Definition of STREAK for Kids
1
: a line or mark of a different color or texture from its background <You left a streak of mud on the rug.>
2
: a narrow band of light <a streak of lightning>
3
: an amount of a quality <She's got a stubborn streak.>
4
: a short series of something <a winning streak>
— streaked \ˈstrēkt, ˈstrē-kəd\ adjective
2streak
verb
streakedstreak·ing
Definition of STREAK for Kids
1
: to make or have a line or mark of color in or on <His hair is streaked with gray.>
2
: to move swiftly : rush <A jet streaked across the sky.>
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