LANES, noun (plural)
1. Narrow pathways or tracks designated for vehicular traffic, typically to separate or allocate traffic flow in a specific direction or purpose. Lanes are commonly found on streets, highways, and roadways, and are marked with painted or physical dividers. They serve to enhance overall traffic organization, safety, and efficiency by streamlining the movement of vehicles.
2. In the sport of bowling, individual tracks or divisions within a bowling alley where players throw their balls towards the pins. Each player aims to hit the pins by rolling the ball along their designated lane, which is typically a long, polished, and narrow path consisting of a series of boards. Lanes in bowling alleys are carefully maintained, oiled, and marked to provide fair and consistent playing conditions for each player.
3. In a swimming pool, designated sections for swimming laps. Each lane is generally marked by lane ropes or straps, which separate the swimmers and provide a clear pathway for them to swim without interference. Swimming lanes are often used for training, competitions, or recreational purposes, promoting organized and uninterrupted swimming activities.
4. Figuratively, lanes refer to defined paths, channels, or avenues in various contexts. It can describe the lanes of a career or educational path, specifying the particular course or direction one chooses to pursue. Lanes can also represent the divisions or channels of communication in a network, where data or information flows through different channels or connections, enabling efficient transmission or exchange.
