Streetlighter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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streetlighter
[หstriหtหlaษชtษr ]
Definition
lighting, street
A streetlighter is a device or fixture used to illuminate streets and outdoor public areas. These lights are typically mounted on poles and are designed to enhance visibility for pedestrians and vehicles during nighttime. Streetlighters can vary in design and technology, including traditional incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights, or modern LED fixtures.
Synonyms
lamp post, street lamp, street light.
Examples of usage
- The streetlighter flickered before turning off completely.
- City officials decided to upgrade all streetlighters to energy-efficient models.
- Children felt safer walking home with the streetlighters illuminating the path.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Urban Planning
- Streetlights are crucial in urban design, creating safer pedestrian environments and helping reduce crime rates in cities.
- Different types of streetlights, such as LED and solar, have emerged in recent years for better energy efficiency.
Cultural Significance
- Streetlighting can influence nightlife in cities, affecting local businesses and social interactions.
- Iconic streetlights, like those found in New Orleans, have become symbols of the city's unique character and heritage.
Science
- The shift from incandescent to LED lighting has led to significant reductions in energy costs and environmental impact.
- Research shows that proper street lighting can enhance visibility, decreasing accidents and improving overall safety.
History
- The first gas streetlights were installed in London in the early 19th century, transforming night life in urban areas.
- Electric street lighting became widespread in the early 20th century, leading to a dramatic change in city infrastructure.
Origin of 'streetlighter'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'street,' which comes from the Latin 'via publica' meaning public way, and 'lighter,' referring to something that makes things bright.
- In historical usage, the term was often linked to gas lighting, before electricity became the norm.
The term 'streetlighter' originates from the combination of 'street,' which has Old English roots (streฬt meaning 'a way or path'), and 'lighter,' coming from the Middle English word 'lyht' or the Old English 'leoht,' meaning 'to illuminate or make visible.' The development of street lighting dates back to ancient civilizations where oil lamps and torches were used to light the streets. The modern streetlight, as we know it today, evolved significantly in the 19th century with the advent of gas lighting and later electric lighting, enhancing nighttime safety and urban accessibility. The word itself reflects the practical function of these devicesโ lighting streets for public use.