Viaduct: meaning, definitions and examples

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viaduct

 

[หˆvaษช.ษ™หŒdสŒkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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

bridge, flyover, overpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • The Roman aqueduct was an ancient form of viaduct used to transport water.
  • The train travels over a viaduct that offers stunning views of the valley below.
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.

  • The Golden Gate Bridge is a famous landmark in San Francisco.
  • The bridge over the river connects the two towns.
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.

  • The car overturned when it went off the overpass.
  • An overpass was built to facilitate pedestrian access across the highway.
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.

  • The flyover helped reduce traffic congestion in the city center.
  • There are plans to construct a new flyover to improve access to the airport.

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 Danyangโ€“Kunshan 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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น viaduto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Viadukt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ viaduk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะฐะดัƒะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wiadukt

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้™ธๆฉ‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท viaduc

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ viaducto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท viyadรผk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณ ๊ฐ€๊ต

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุณุฑ ุนู„ูˆูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ viadukt

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ viadukt

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ซ˜ๆžถๆกฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ viadukt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ brรบargangur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฒะธะฐะดัƒะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ•แƒ˜แƒแƒ“แƒฃแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ viaduk

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.