Paved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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paved
[peɪvd ]
Definition
road surface
Paved refers to a surface that has been covered with a hard material, typically asphalt or concrete, to create a smooth and durable pathway. This term is often used in relation to roads, driveways, and other areas where a solid ground is required for driving or walking.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The paved road led us to the scenic viewpoint.
- The city plans to repave the old streets.
- Paved paths are safer for cyclists.
- After the rain, the paved surface dried quickly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Middle French 'paver' which meant to lay down stones for a surface.
- Originally, paved roads were made from large stones, which date back to the Roman Empire, showcasing advanced engineering skills.
- Ancient Romans built extensive networks of paved roads to connect their vast empire, many of which are still in use today.
Technology
- Modern paving materials include asphalt and concrete, which are specially designed for durability and weather resistance.
- The invention of reinforced concrete in the 19th century significantly changed paving, allowing for stronger and longer-lasting surfaces.
- Today, innovative technologies like permeable pavement are used to allow water to pass through, reducing flooding and maintaining groundwater.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, paved roads symbolize progress and modernization, making travel easier and connecting communities.
- Some ancient cities, like Pompeii, showcase well-preserved paved streets that give insight into urban planning of the past.
- In literature, paved roads often symbolize life's journey or the choices we make, reflecting smooth or rough experiences.
Environmental Impact
- Paving surfaces can increase stormwater runoff, leading to potential flooding and water quality issues, thus impacting local ecosystems.
- Green paving solutions, like grasscrete, use grass-filled grids that allow for better water absorption while providing a stable surface.
- The choice of paving materials can affect the heat island effect in urban areas, where asphalt traps heat more than lighter-colored materials.
Art and Literature
- Paved paths often appear in poetry as metaphors for life's journey, representing choices and directions taken.
- Artists represent paved streets in various styles, often using them to depict busy city life or peaceful countryside paths.
- In many stories, characters find themselves at a crossroads, symbolized by paved roads that lead to different destinies.
Origin of 'paved'
The term 'paved' originates from the Middle English word 'paven', which is derived from the Old French 'paver'. This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'pavire', meaning to beat or to cover with a hard surface. The evolution of the word reflects the historical practices of constructing durable surfaces for roads, which became increasingly important as transportation and trade expanded. The concept of paving dates back to ancient civilizations, where stone and gravel were used to create stable paths. Over time, modern materials such as asphalt and concrete were developed, leading to the widespread and efficient paving of roads, streets, and walkways in contemporary urban planning.