Roundhouse: meaning, definitions and examples
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roundhouse
[ ˈraʊndˌhaʊs ]
architecture, train
A roundhouse is a structure used for housing a rotating platform on which locomotives or railway cars can be turned and stored. Typically circular or polygonal in shape, roundhouses are often found in railway yards. They allow for efficient management of trains by enabling quick access to multiple tracks from a single point. Historically important in the development of railway systems, roundhouses played a critical role in the routine maintenance and upkeep of locomotives.
Synonyms
depot, locomotive shed, rail yard
Examples of usage
- The old roundhouse was restored and now serves as a museum.
- Locomotives were parked in the roundhouse for overnight storage.
- The engineers worked late at the roundhouse to ensure everything was ready.
- We visited the roundhouse to learn about steam engine history.
Translations
Translations of the word "roundhouse" in other languages:
🇵🇹 casa redonda
🇮🇳 गोल घर
🇩🇪 Rundhaus
🇮🇩 rumah bundar
🇺🇦 кругла будівля
🇵🇱 okrągły dom
🇯🇵 ラウンドハウス
🇫🇷 maison ronde
🇪🇸 casa redonda
🇹🇷 daire ev
🇰🇷 둥글둥글한 집
🇸🇦 بيت دائري
🇨🇿 kulatý dům
🇸🇰 guľatý dom
🇨🇳 圆形房屋
🇸🇮 okrogla hiša
🇮🇸 hringlaga hús
🇰🇿 дөңгелек үй
🇬🇪 რაუნდჰაუსი
🇦🇿 dairəvi ev
🇲🇽 casa redonda
Etymology
The term 'roundhouse' originates from the design characteristic of these buildings, which are typically circular or semicircular, allowing for the efficient turning of locomotives. The word 'round' reflects the shape of the structure, while 'house' denotes it as a shelter or storage facility. Historically, the first roundhouses appeared in the mid-19th century alongside the expansion of railroads as the need for locomotive maintenance and storage grew. These structures became integral to railway operations, especially in steam-era railways, where the turning of engines was a regular necessity. Over time, while modern railroads have evolved and may not require roundhouses in the same way, many historical examples have been preserved as cultural landmarks, showcasing the engineering and architectural prowess of their time.