spur line
Definition
- Noun:
- A railway branch line: "spur line" refers to a short railway line that branches off from a main line, typically serving a specific industrial area, military base, or other facility. It is also known as a "spur track."
- A minor side route: In broader transportation contexts, "spur line" can denote any secondary or subsidiary route that diverges from a primary thoroughfare.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The factory was connected to the main railway network by a short spur line. (A branch line providing access for freight transport.)
- The military base built a spur line to supply its depot. (A subsidiary railway for logistical support.)
Advanced Usage
"to lay a spur line": to construct a branch railway.
- The company laid a new spur line to reach the quarry. (They built a branch line for industrial purposes.)
"spur line in use": a branch line that is currently operational.
- The spur line remained in use until the mine closed. (The branch line was active for resource extraction.)
Variants and Related Words
- Spur track (noun): a synonym for "spur line," specifically a short side track branching from a main line.
- The spur track allowed trains to load coal directly from the mine. (A side track for loading operations.)
Synonyms
- Branch line: a secondary railway line that diverges from a main line.
- Siding: a short track adjacent to a main line used for loading, unloading, or storing trains.
- Feeder line: a smaller line that supplies traffic to a larger system.
Related Idioms
- "Spur of the moment": though not directly related to "spur line," it shares the "spur" root meaning a sudden impulse; however, this idiom is not used with "spur line."
- They decided to visit on the spur of the moment. (On a sudden impulse; note: this is a separate usage of "spur.")
Phrasal Verbs (Not applicable)
- There are no common phrasal verbs directly associated with "spur line," as it is a fixed noun phrase.