straight

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Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
straight/streɪt/
adjective
  • 1 extending uniformly in one direction only; without a curve or bend.

    ■ (of an arch) flat-topped.

  • 2 properly positioned so as to be level, upright, or symmetrical.

    ■ in proper order or condition.

  • 3 not evasive; honest.

    ■ (of a choice) simple.

    ■ (of thinking) clear and logical.

  • 4 in continuous succession.
  • 5 (of an alcoholic drink) undiluted.
  • 6 (of drama) serious as opposed to comic or musical.
  • 7 informal conventional or respectable.
  • 8 informal heterosexual.
adverb
  • 1 in a straight line; directly.

    ■ without delay; immediately.

  • 2 in a straight manner.
noun
  • 1 the straight part of something, especially the concluding stretch of a racecourse.

    archaic a straight form or position.

  • 2 Poker a continuous sequence of five cards.
  • 3 informal a conventional person.
  • 4 informal a heterosexual.
– phrases
go straight live an honest life after being a criminal.
the straight and narrow the honest and morally acceptable way of living.
straight away immediately.
a straight fight Brit. a contest between just two opponents.
straight from the shoulder
  • 1 dated (of a blow) swift and well delivered.
  • 2 (of words) frank or direct.
straight off (or out) informal without hesitation or deliberation.
straight up informal
  • 1 Brit. honestly.
  • 2 chiefly N. Amer. undiluted or unadulterated.
– derivatives
straightish adjective,
straightly adverb,
straightness noun.
– origin ME: archaic past part. of stretch.
'straight' also found in these Oxford entries:

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