Väliviiva

Väliviiva is a Finnish term that translates to "intermediate line" or "connecting line." It most commonly refers to a type of dashed line used in various contexts, particularly in technical drawings, diagrams, and sometimes in writing.

In technical drawings, a väliviiva is used to represent hidden or concealed edges of an object. These are lines that would be present in the object's geometry but are not visible from the viewpoint of the drawing. This convention helps engineers and designers understand the full three-dimensional form of an object from a two-dimensional representation. The spacing and length of the dashes in a väliviiva are often standardized to ensure clarity and consistency.

Beyond technical drawings, the term can also be applied more broadly to any connecting or transitional element. For example, in some graphic design or layout contexts, a väliviiva might refer to a dashed separator line. In written communication, though less common, it could informally describe a break or pause in thought, a metaphorical connection between ideas, or a transitional phrase that links different parts of a text. The primary understanding of väliviiva, however, remains rooted in its technical drawing application.