from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
pipeline \pipeline\, pipe line \pipe line\
1. A line of pipe with pumping machinery and apparatus for
conveying liquids, gases, or finely divided solids, such
as petroleum or natural gas, between distant points.
[Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
2. fig. an information channel direct from the source.
[PJC]
3. the set of stages and processes from the invention or
design of a product to its ultimate use, production, or
commercial sale. Used commonly in the phrase
{in the pipeline}, i. e. still in preparation or under
development.
[PJC]