chain-bridge

A chain-bridge spans the river between two green hills.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of suspension bridge: "chain-bridge" refers to a bridge whose deck is suspended from chains (rather than cables). These chains are typically made of linked metal bars or links and are anchored at both ends, supporting the roadway below.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The engineers designed a chain-bridge to cross the deep gorge. (A bridge suspended by metal chains.)
  • Visitors marveled at the historic chain-bridge, with its sturdy iron links. (A bridge whose chains were made of iron.)

Advanced Usage

• "Chain-bridge construction": the method or technique of building such a bridge.

  • Chain-bridge construction was common in the 19th century before cable technology improved. (The process of building bridges using chains.)

• "To cross a chain-bridge": to traverse a bridge of this type.

  • They had to cross a narrow chain-bridge to reach the village. (To walk or drive over the bridge.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chain (n): a series of connected metal links.

  • The chain of the bridge was inspected for wear. (The metal links supporting the bridge.)

• Suspension bridge (n): a bridge where the deck is hung from cables or chains.

  • A chain-bridge is a type of suspension bridge. (A broader category including chain-bridges.)

Synonyms

• Suspension bridge: a bridge with a deck suspended from cables or chains.
• Link bridge: an informal term for a bridge using linked chains.

Related Idioms

• "To have a chain-bridge": not a common idiom; the term is technical and literal.
• "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link": a proverb applicable to chain-bridge construction.
  • The chain-bridge's safety depended on each link; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. (The integrity of the bridge relies on every part.)