GUARDRAIL Meaning and
Definition
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A guardrail is a protective structure or barrier erected along the edge of a road, bridge, or walkway to prevent accidental falls or collisions. It is designed to enhance safety by providing a physical barrier between users and potential hazards, such as steep drops, traffic, or machinery.
Typically made of metal, guardrails are constructed to be sturdy and rigid, capable of withstanding impacts and redirecting forces. They are commonly found along highways, expressways, and elevated roads to prevent vehicles from veering off the road or crossing into opposing lanes. Guardrails also serve as safeguards on bridges, curving roads, or sharp turns where the risk of accidents or loss of control is higher.
The structure of a guardrail usually consists of vertical posts or supports that are firmly anchored into the ground or the structure it is attached to. These posts are connected by horizontal rails or beams, often with additional components such as reflective strips or markers to enhance visibility during low-light conditions. Some guardrails may have specific designs or additional features to cater to certain applications, such as pedestrian guardrails with smaller gaps to prevent children or pets from slipping through.
In essence, a guardrail functions as a physical barrier that acts as a safeguard, protecting individuals, vehicles, or structures from accidents, minimizing the severity of possible collisions, and promoting overall safety in various environments.
Top Common Misspellings for GUARDRAIL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for GUARDRAIL
Etymology of GUARDRAIL
The word "guardrail" has a fairly straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two distinct elements: "guard" and "rail".
Firstly, "guard" is an English term that dates back to the 15th century. It comes from the Old French word "guarder", meaning "to protect, to defend". The term "guard" refers to something that provides protection or prevents access.
Secondly, "rail" has origins in both Old French and Old English. It derives from the Old French word "raille", which meant "a bar, a beam", and the Old English word "regel", meaning "a straight piece of timber". Over time, the term "rail" encompassed the concept of a horizontal bar or beam used as a support or barrier.
Combining the two components, "guard" and "rail", gave birth to the word "guardrail".
Similar spelling words for GUARDRAIL
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