In general, an imaginary line is any sort of line that has only an abstract definition, and does not exist in fact.
As a geographical concept, an imaginary line may serve as an arbitrary division (such as a border). It may also be a standardized mark that serves as a measurement or point of reference (such as a circle of latitude or the Prime Meridian).
Famous quotes containing the words imaginary line, imaginary and/or line:
“Where my imaginary line
Bends square in woods, an iron spine
And pile of real rocks have been founded.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“When an old Woman begins to doat [sic], and grow chargeable to a Parish, she is generally turned into a Witch, and fills the whole Country with extravagant Fancies, imaginary Distempers, and terrifying Dreams. In the mean time, the poor Wretch that is the innocent Occasion of so many Evils begins to be frighted at her self, and sometimes confesses secret Commerces and Familiarities that her Imagination forms in a delirious old Age.”
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719)
“Michelangelo said to Pope Julius II, “Self negation is noble, self-culture is beneficent, self-possession is manly, but to the truly great and inspiring soul they are poor and tame compared to self-abuse.” Mr. Brown, here, in one of his latest and most graceful poems refers to it in an eloquent line which is destined to live to the end of time—”None know it but to love it, None name it but to praise.””
—Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835–1910)