The correct spelling of the word "gondola cable" is [gɑnˈdoʊlə keɪbəl]. The first syllable is pronounced with the "ah" vowel sound and the "g" sound is pronounced like a soft "j". The second syllable is pronounced with the "oh" vowel sound and a silent "d". The final syllable is pronounced with the "ai" diphthong and a silent "e". This word refers to the cable that supports the gondola, which is a type of cable car used for transportation in mountainous areas.
A gondola cable, also known as a cableway or an aerial tramway, is a type of transportation system that involves the use of a suspended cable to transport people or goods from one point to another. It consists of a series of supporting towers or pylons that are evenly spaced along a designated path. These towers are typically made of durable materials, such as steel or concrete, and are built to withstand the weight and tension of the cable.
The gondola cable itself is a sturdy, thick steel cable that runs between the towers and is supported by them. It is securely anchored at both ends, ensuring stability and providing a safe means of transportation. The cable is driven by a motorized mechanism located at one of the endpoints and is capable of propelling the gondola cars or cabins along the cable. The cabins are attached to the cable through a system of wheels and pulleys, allowing them to smoothly traverse the length of the cableway.
Gondola cables are commonly used in mountainous or hilly terrains, where traditional methods of transportation like roads or railways are difficult to construct or impractical due to geographical obstacles. They are often utilized in ski resorts, national parks, and tourist attractions, offering breathtaking views and a unique mode of transportation. Additionally, gondola cables are widely used in industries such as mining, forestry, and construction to transport heavy equipment and materials over rugged terrain.
Overall, gondola cables serve as an efficient method of transportation, especially in areas with challenging landscapes, providing a reliable means of moving people and objects safely and swiftly.
The word "gondola" is borrowed from the Venetian dialect of Italian, where it originally referred to a traditional flat-bottomed boat used for transportation in the canals of Venice. The term is derived from the Late Latin word "cundula" or "cundulae" which meant "container" or "hollow object", possibly referring to the shape of the boat. Over time, the term "gondola" has also been used to describe different types of boats or floating structures.
In the context of a "gondola cable", the word "gondola" is used to refer to the passenger-carrying cabin or car that is suspended from a cable in cable transportation systems like cable cars or ski lifts. The specific etymology of the term "gondola cable" is a combination of "gondola" (car) and "cable" (suspended cable).