platelayer
/'pleit,leiə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A platelayer is a railway worker whose primary job is to lay, maintain, and repair the tracks of a railroad. This involves installing the metal rails and wooden or concrete sleepers (ties), ensuring they are correctly aligned and securely fastened, and performing ongoing inspections and repairs to ensure safety.
Usage
The term platelayer is a specific occupational noun. It is used to refer to the individual person performing this job. * The platelayer inspected the section of track for any loose bolts. * A team of platelayers worked through the night to repair the damaged line after the storm.
Advanced Usage
- Historically, the term was more common, especially in British English. In modern American English, terms like track worker, railroad maintenance worker, or trackman are often used.
- The role is critical for railway safety, as platelayers are responsible for the fundamental infrastructure that trains run on.
Variants and Related Words
- Trackman (n): A synonym for platelayer, commonly used in North America.
- Ganger (n): In railway contexts, a supervisor or foreman of a team of platelayers or track workers.
- Permanent Way (n): The technical term for the tracks, sleepers, and ballast of a railway. A platelayer works on the permanent way.
Synonyms
- Track worker
- Railroad track maintainer
- Railway linesman
Related Phrases
- To lay track: The primary action performed by a platelayer.
- The company hired new workers to help lay track for the expansion.
- Track maintenance: The general category of work a platelayer does.
- Regular track maintenance is performed by experienced platelayers.
Noun
- a workman who lays and repairs railroad tracks