superhighway
/,sju:pə'haiwei/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An extensive electronic network (such as the internet) used for the rapid transfer of sound, video, and graphics in digital form: This meaning refers to a high-capacity digital communications pathway, often a metaphor for the internet's infrastructure.
- A broad highway designed for high-speed traffic: This is the original, literal meaning, referring to a major road, such as an expressway or freeway, built for fast travel over long distances.
Examples
Noun (Digital Network):
- The information superhighway has revolutionized global communication.
- Data travels across the superhighway at incredible speeds.
Noun (Physical Road):
- We drove on the superhighway to cross the state quickly.
- The new superhighway reduced travel time between the two cities by half.
Advanced Usage
- "Information superhighway": A common metaphorical phrase specifically for the global telecommunications network and the internet.
- In the 1990s, there was much talk about building the information superhighway.
Variants and Related Words
- Freeway (n): A high-speed divided highway with no intersections, typically with tolls.
- Expressway (n): A major divided highway designed for high-speed traffic, often with partial access control.
- Throughway/Thruway (n): A broad highway for high-speed through traffic.
Synonyms
- Digital network (for the electronic meaning).
- Arterial highway, motorway (BrE), interstate (US, for the physical road meaning).
Related Phrases
- On-ramp to the superhighway: Figuratively, gaining access to a major system or network (often digital).
- Learning basic coding is your on-ramp to the digital superhighway.
Noun
- an extensive electronic network (such as the internet) used for the rapid transfer of sound and video and graphics in digital form
- a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic