Switchback: meaning, definitions and examples
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switchback
[ˈswɪtʃˌbæk ]
Definition
road, path
A switchback is a road or trail that has a series of sharp turns, allowing for steeper climbs or descents without the need for a straight incline. This type of path is often found in mountainous terrains, where it helps vehicles and hikers ascend or descend steep areas more easily. The design prevents the need for a straight, steep path that might be dangerous or impossible to traverse. Switchbacks facilitate safe travel by gradually changing direction.
Synonyms
hairpin turn, serpentine, zigzag.
Examples of usage
- They navigated the switchbacks on the mountain trail.
- The steep road was made manageable with switchbacks.
- Cyclists often prefer switchbacks for easier climbing.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the combination of 'switch', meaning to change direction, and 'back', referring to the back-and-forth nature of the turns.
- It first appeared in English in the 19th century, particularly in the context of mountain roads and train tracks.
Geography
- Switchbacks are a common feature in mountain roads, helping to manage steep gradients and making it safer for vehicles to ascend.
- In hiking trails, switchbacks reduce the steepness of an ascent, making long hikes more manageable.
Transportation
- Switchbacks are often used in railroads to navigate steep terrains, allowing trains to gain elevation without a drastic incline.
- The design helps in maintaining safety by reducing speed in potentially hazardous conditions.
Cultural References
- In popular culture, switchbacks are often depicted in movies to create dramatic tension during car chases or adventures in mountain regions.
- The concept of switchbacks can also be found in video games, where characters navigate twisting paths to overcome obstacles.
Environmental Science
- The construction of switchbacks can minimize erosion by reducing the impact of car wheels on steep slopes.
- In environmental management, switchbacks are designed to promote water drainage in mountainous regions, preventing flooding during heavy rains.
Translations
Translations of the word "switchback" in other languages:
🇵🇹 zigue-zague
- volta
- retorno
🇮🇳 स्विचबैक
- मोड़
- वापसी
🇩🇪 Schleife
- Rückkehr
- Serpentinenstraße
🇮🇩 jalur zigzag
- belokan
- kembali
🇺🇦 зигзаг
- поворот
- повернення
🇵🇱 zakręt
- powrót
- zygzak
🇯🇵 スイッチバック
- 蛇行
- 引き返し
🇫🇷 serpentin
- retour
- virage en zigzag
🇪🇸 zigzag
- retorno
- curva
🇹🇷 sarp viraj
- dönüş
- zigzag
🇰🇷 스위치백
- 되돌아가기
- 지그재그
🇸🇦 التعرج
- العودة
- المنعطف
🇨🇿 zákruta
- návrat
- serpentýna
🇸🇰 zákruta
- návrat
- serpentína
🇨🇳 折返
- 曲折
- 迂回
🇸🇮 zavoj
- povrat
- serpentina
🇮🇸 sérpóttur
- snúningur
- bakslag
🇰🇿 бұрылыс
- қайту
- зигзаг
🇬🇪 ზიგზაგი
- დაბრუნება
- მრუდი
🇦🇿 zımbırtı
- geri dönüş
- dönüş
🇲🇽 zigzag
- regreso
- curva