first-line

I. \\ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ adjective

1. : available for immediate effective combat service

first-line troops

first-line ships

2. : of the first quality or importance

there are in the area no potential first-line industrial centers — S.G.Hanson

a first-line tire

attended by 50 first-line business executives — American Standards Association

II. \\ˈ ̷ ̷ ˈ ̷ ̷ \ adjective

: being the preferred, standard, or first choice

first-line treatment of tuberculosis

* * *

/ferrst"luyn"/, adj.

1. available for immediate service, esp. combat service: first-line troops.

2. of prime importance or quality.

[1895-1900]

* * *

adj. of first resort

first-line drugs for HIV exposure

* * *

/ˈfɚstˈlaın/ adj, always used before a noun

chiefly US

1 : used or chosen first

first-line treatment/therapy

2 : available to be used immediately

first-line troops