streak

streak [strēk]

n.

[ME streke < OE strica: for IE base see STRIKE]

1. a line or long, thin mark; stripe or smear, generally differing in color or texture from the surrounding area

2. a ray of light or a flash, as of lightning

3. a vein or stratum of a mineral

4. a layer, as of fat in meat

5. a strain, element, or tendency in behavior, temperament, etc.; trait [a jealous streak ]

☆ 6. a period, spell, or series [a streak of bad luck, a streak of losses]

7. Bacteriology an inoculum placed, as in a line, on a solid culture medium

8. Mineralogy a colored line of powder produced by rubbing a mineral over a hard, white surface (streak plate): it serves as a distinguishing character

vt.

1. to make streaks on or in; mark with streaks

2. to make usually lighter streaks in (hair) with a coloring agent

vi.

1. to form streaks; become streaked

2. to move at high speed; go fast; hurry

☆ 3. to dash naked in public as a prank

——————

☆ like a streak

Informal at high speed; swiftly

streaker

n.