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streak

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noun [countable] British English pronunciation: streak /striːk/ 
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singularstreak
pluralstreaks
  1. 1
    a line or long mark on something that is a different colour from the colour surrounding it

    The bird can be recognized by the dark streaks on its breast.

    streak of:

    a streak of lightning (=a long line of lightning)

  2. 2
    a part of someones character, or a type of behaviour that is different from the rest of their character

    The child has a stubborn streak.

    streak of:

    There may be a streak of insanity in the family.

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