Viaduct: meaning, definitions and examples
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viaduct
[หvaษช.ษหdสkt ]
Definition
bridge construction
A viaduct is a long, elevated road or bridge that carries a road or railway across a valley or other low ground. Viaducts are often constructed using a series of arches or spans to support the roadway.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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viaduct |
Used to describe a long bridge-like structure, typically a series of arches, that carries a road or railway over valleys or other roads. Often found in architectural and engineering contexts.
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bridge |
Used for general purposes when referring to a structure that spans obstacles such as rivers, roads, or valleys. Applicable in both everyday language and technical contexts.
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overpass |
Mainly used in American English to describe a bridge that carries a road or railway over another road, railway, or obstacle. Suitable for discussions about urban infrastructure.
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flyover |
Commonly used in British English to describe a road bridge that carries one road over another. It's often found in urban planning and traffic management contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The train crossed the viaduct as it made its way through the mountainous region.
- The viaduct allowed the highway to pass over the river without disrupting traffic flow.
- The ancient viaduct still stands as a testament to the engineering skills of the past.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Originates from the Latin words 'via' meaning 'way' and 'ductus' meaning 'to lead'.
- The term has been used in English since the early 19th century to describe elevated structures for transport.
Engineering
- Viaducts are often designed with arches to distribute weight and provide stability.
- The longest viaduct in the world is the Millau Viaduct in France, which stands 343 meters (1,125 ft) above the valley.
Transport History
- The first major viaduct built in England was the Belper North Mill Viaduct in the 1820s.
- Viaducts helped advance rail travel in the 19th century by allowing trains to traverse difficult terrain.
Cultural Significance
- Viaducts are prominent in landscapes, often becoming symbols of engineering prowess in cities.
- They have appeared in films as dramatic backdrops, showcasing both beauty and human achievement.
Modern Examples
- The DanyangโKunshan Grand Bridge in China is a recent innovation and part of the world's longest high-speed railway.
- California's Vincent Thomas Bridge functions as a viaduct, connecting San Pedro and Terminal Island efficiently.
Translations
Translations of the word "viaduct" in other languages:
๐ต๐น viaduto
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Viadukt
๐ฎ๐ฉ viaduk
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒัะฐะดัะบ
๐ต๐ฑ wiadukt
๐ฏ๐ต ้ธๆฉ
๐ซ๐ท viaduc
๐ช๐ธ viaducto
๐น๐ท viyadรผk
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ณ ๊ฐ๊ต
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฌุณุฑ ุนููู
๐จ๐ฟ viadukt
๐ธ๐ฐ viadukt
๐จ๐ณ ้ซๆถๆกฅ
๐ธ๐ฎ viadukt
๐ฎ๐ธ brรบargangur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฒะธะฐะดัะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ viaduk
๐ฒ๐ฝ viaducto
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #21,290, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 21287 arraignment
- 21288 amputated
- 21289 leach
- 21290 viaduct
- 21291 brazing
- 21292 rubella
- 21293 entomology
- ...