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Stilt: meaning, definitions and examples

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stilt

 

[stษชlt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

building support

A stilt is a tall, slender support used to elevate a structure above ground level, often found in marshy or flood-prone areas. They are commonly used in architecture to raise buildings away from water and prevent damage during flooding. Stilts help in providing stability and also aid in ventilation beneath the building. This architectural feature is prevalent in various cultures, particularly in seaside constructions and traditional homes in Asia.

Synonyms

column, post, support.

Examples of usage

  • The house was built on stilts to avoid flooding.
  • Many stilt houses can be found in coastal regions.
  • The fishermen often construct their huts on stilts.
  • The artist created a sculpture supported by stilts.
Context #2 | Noun

walking aids

Stilts are also devices used by performers and artists to give the illusion of great height during performances or parades. They are typically made of lightweight materials for ease of movement and can be adjusted for various performer heights. Performers on stilts engage in acrobatics and often draw attention with their towering stature.

Synonyms

poles, supports.

Examples of usage

  • The clown walked on stilts to entertain the children.
  • Stilt walkers were a highlight of the festival.
  • She practiced her balance on stilts for the performance.
  • The parade featured several characters on stilts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'stilt' originates from the Middle English word 'stilte,' derived from the Old French word 'estilte,' meaning 'to elevate.'
  • In many languages, similar words denote height or elevation, often linking to the function of stilts in lifting the user above the ground.

Cultural Significance

  • Stilts have been used in various cultural dances and performances, especially in places like Indonesia and the Caribbean, to create visual spectacles.
  • Different cultures have unique styles of stilt walking. For example, in Burma, they call it 'Htaw Baung,' used in traditional festivals.

History

  • Historically, stilts were used in construction to help workers access higher areas, especially in flood-prone regions like Venice.
  • In ancient times, stilt walking was not just for performance; it was a practical means of traversing wet or marshy landscapes.

Physics

  • Using stilts involves principles of balance and gravity, as the higher one walks, the more careful they must be to maintain stability.
  • The length and design of stilts can significantly affect how a person moves on them, demonstrating concepts of leverage.

Art and Performance

  • Stilt walking is a popular art form in circuses and parades, where performers often don costumes to entertain crowds from a height.
  • Stilts add an element of drama and spectacle to performances, allowing artists to engage audiences visually by towering over them.

Translations

Translations of the word "stilt" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น perna de pau

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคฒเคพ เคนเฅเค†

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Stelze

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tiang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดะฟะพั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stilt

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ซ˜่ถณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pile

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ zanco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tahta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ง๋š

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุนุงู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kolo

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kolรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ”ฏๆŸฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ stebro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรบlur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะพาฃา“ะฐะปะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ”แƒฅแƒกแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dayaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ zanco

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,762 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.