Potholed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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potholed
[ˈpɒt.hoʊld ]
Definition
road condition
Describing a road or surface that is filled with deep holes or depressions, often causing difficulty for vehicles. Potholed roads can be dangerous and are usually a sign of poor maintenance, especially in areas with harsh weather.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The potholed road damaged the car's suspension.
- We had to drive slowly on the potholed street.
- The city's budget cuts have left many potholed avenues unrepaired.
- Cyclists avoid that potholed path in the park.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Transportation
- Potholes are a significant issue for transportation, causing vehicle damage and accidents.
- Some cities have dedicated teams whose sole job is to repair potholes quickly.
- In colder regions, thawing and freezing cycles create a higher number of potholes due to expansion and contraction of materials.
Engineering
- Proper design and maintenance of roads can greatly reduce the formation of potholes.
- Common materials used to fill potholes include asphalt and concrete, which need to be applied correctly to last.
- Innovative materials are being researched, including self-healing asphalt, which can mend itself when damaged.
Cultural References
- Potholes have become a popular subject in various forms of media, representing societal neglect and infrastructure issues.
- In popular culture, films often depict cars bouncing over potholes to exaggerate the roughness of a town or city.
- Comedians frequently joke about potholes, spotlighting how they can be a source of frustration for everyday drivers.
Health and Safety
- Potholes can be hazardous, leading to injuries from falls or accidents caused by swerving to avoid them.
- In densely populated areas, untreated potholes can contribute to increased traffic and longer commute times.
- Organizations often advocate for better road maintenance as part of public health initiatives, highlighting the dangers of poor road conditions.
Origin of 'potholed'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'pothole' comes from the word 'pot', suggesting a rounded shape, and 'hole', indicating a depression on the road.
- It first appeared in English texts in the 19th century, reflecting the condition of roads during that time.
- The word has gained more prominence in modern times with the increase of vehicles and road usage.
The term 'potholed' originates from the word 'pothole,' which combines 'pot' and 'hole.' The earliest use of 'pothole' in English dates back to the 19th century. It originally referred to a natural geological feature resembling a hole or basin formed by erosion. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe depressions in road surfaces caused by the wear and tear of vehicles combined with weathering effects on the asphalt and concrete. The 'pothole' metaphorically reflects how deep and damaging these holes are, similar to how a pot could hold water. The adjective form 'potholed' emerged as a way to describe roads in severe disrepair, highlighting issues in urban infrastructure management.