bascule-bridge
Definition
Noun: A "bascule-bridge" is a type of movable bridge that uses a counterweight to balance the span, which pivots upward on a hinge (called a trunnion) to allow boats or ships to pass underneath. The term "bascule" comes from the French word for "seesaw," reflecting the balancing action.
Usage Examples
- (A bridge that opens by pivoting upward.)
- (A bridge with a counterweight system for easy lifting.)
Advanced Usage
"to operate a bascule-bridge": to control the mechanism that raises and lowers the bridge deck.
- The operator must check the weather before operating the bascule-bridge. (The person responsible for lifting the bridge.)
"bascule-bridge span": the movable section of the bridge that lifts.
- The bascule-bridge span weighs over 500 tons but moves smoothly due to the counterweights. (The pivoting part of the bridge.)
Variants and Related Words
Bascule (n): the seesaw-like mechanism or the counterweight system itself.
- The bascule is carefully calibrated to ensure the bridge lifts evenly. (The counterweight mechanism.)
Bascule-bridge counterweight (n): the heavy weight that balances the moving span.
- The bascule-bridge counterweight is hidden underground to save space. (The balancing weight.)
Synonyms
- Drawbridge: a general term for a bridge that can be raised, lowered, or moved aside, though bascule-bridges are a specific type.
- Moveable bridge: any bridge that moves to allow passage of boats.
Related Idioms
- "to burn one's bridges": to act in a way that makes it impossible to return to a previous situation. (Not directly related to bascule-bridges, but a common idiom using "bridge.")
- "water under the bridge": past events that are no longer important. (Again, a general bridge idiom.)