Towers Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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towers

[ˈtaʊərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

building

Towers are tall structures that rise high above the ground. They are often used for communication, observation, or as landmarks. Towers can be found in cities, castles, and religious buildings.

Synonyms

obelisk, skyscraper, spire.

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Word Description / Examples
towers

Same as the first entry. Tall structures that can be used for various purposes.

  • They climbed the observation towers to get a better view of the valley.
  • The city is famous for its medieval towers, which are a major tourist attraction.
skyscraper

Extremely tall buildings commonly found in urban cityscapes, used for offices, residential purposes, or mixed use. Modern and often associated with business and progress.

  • New York City is renowned for its impressive skyscrapers.
  • The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest skyscraper in the world.
spire

A tall, pointed structure on top of a building, particularly on churches or cathedrals. Adds an architectural highlight and often has a religious significance.

  • The spire of the old cathedral could be seen from miles away.
  • Gothic churches are known for their intricately designed spires.
obelisk

Large, tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monuments with a pyramid-like shape at the top. Commonly used in ancient times, especially in Egypt, often as a monument or commemorative structure.

  • The Washington Monument in D.C. is an example of a famous obelisk.
  • Ancient Egyptians built obelisks to honor their gods and commemorate significant events.

Examples of usage

  • The Eiffel Tower in Paris is a famous landmark.
  • The CN Tower in Toronto is a popular tourist attraction.
  • The tower of London has a rich history dating back to the 11th century.
Context #2 | Noun

chess

In chess, a tower is a powerful piece that can move horizontally or vertically any number of squares. It is an important piece in the game and can be used for both defense and offense.

Synonyms

rook.

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Word Description / Examples
towers

Refers to tall, vertical structures or buildings that stand significantly higher than their surroundings. Commonly used in architectural contexts or when describing the physical landscape of a city.

  • The city skyline is dominated by tall towers.
  • New York is famous for its impressive towers.
rook

Primarily used in the context of chess, where it refers to a piece that can move any number of squares along a row or column. Can also mean a type of bird, but this use is less common.

  • He moved his rook to capture the bishop.
  • A rook nested on the old oak tree.

Examples of usage

  • I moved my tower to protect my king.
  • The opponent's tower captured my pawn.
Context #3 | Verb

phone signal

To tower over something means to have a strong and clear phone signal, usually in a specific area. This term is commonly used in the context of mobile phone coverage.

Synonyms

great coverage, have good signal.

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Word Description / Examples
towers

When describing tall structures or buildings used for transmitting signals over large areas.

  • The city is densely populated with communication towers.
  • We climbed the observation towers for a better view.
have good signal

Refers to having a strong and clear signal, often in the context of mobile or wireless communications.

  • I need to move closer to the window to have good signal.
  • My phone didn't have good signal in that basement.
great coverage

Used to describe extensive and reliable signal reception in a particular area.

  • This new service provider offers great coverage in rural areas.
  • You can get great coverage in almost any part of the city.

Examples of usage

  • The new cell tower towers over the city, providing excellent coverage.
  • I can't make a call here, the signal doesn't tower well.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'tower' comes from the Latin 'turris', used since ancient times to describe high buildings.
  • Many ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians and Romans, built towers for purposes like defense or as part of temples.
  • The Tower of Pisa in Italy, famous for its lean, was a bell tower originally constructed in the 12th century.

Architecture

  • The Eiffel Tower in Paris, completed in 1889, was initially criticized but now symbolizes the city.
  • Skyscrapers, a modern type of tower, often use steel frames, allowing them to build upwards rather than out.
  • Towers often serve as landmarks, guiding people and often reflecting the culture and history of a place.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, tall structures are seen as symbols of power or stability, often used in political contexts.
  • Towers are featured in folklore and fairy tales, such as Rapunzel's story, symbolizing dreams and confinement.
  • Religious towers, like minarets, chime bells often and call people to worship, representing spiritual connection.

Technology

  • Radio towers play an essential role in broadcasting signals over long distances, connecting people.
  • Cell towers are crucial in modern communication, allowing us to use mobile phones anywhere.
  • Wind energy towers, or wind turbines, harness wind power to generate electricity, showing the evolution of tower usage.

Geography

  • The tallest tower in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, standing over 828 meters tall.
  • Some of the oldest surviving towers are in Italy, known as medieval towers, which served as defense structures.
  • Towers can be found in most major cities around the world, each one telling a unique story about its location.

Origin of 'towers'

The word 'towers' originated from the Old English word 'torr', which was derived from the Latin 'turris' meaning 'high structure'. Towers have been used throughout history for various purposes, including defense, communication, and as symbols of power. They can be found in different forms and sizes across the world, each with its own unique history and significance.


See also: towering.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,856 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.