How Do You Spell PELICAN CROSSING?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛlɪkən kɹˈɒsɪŋ] (IPA)

The spelling of "pelican crossing" is unusual, but it can be explained through its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈpɛlɪkən ˈkrɒsɪŋ/, with the first syllable sounding like "pell" rather than "peel". The word "pelican" comes from the Latin "pelicanus", and "crossing" is derived from the Old English "crucian". Together, they refer to a pedestrian crossing equipped with traffic signals and push-button control. Despite its odd spelling, the term has become commonplace in the UK and beyond for this type of crossing.

PELICAN CROSSING Meaning and Definition

1. A pelican crossing refers to a type of road crossing or pedestrian crossing that is primarily designed to enable pedestrians to traverse roads safely, particularly in urban areas with high vehicular traffic. It is a specific form of traffic signal-controlled crossing, often distinguished by its distinctive name, which originated from the acronym "PEdestrian Light CONtrolled crossing."

   Typically, a pelican crossing consists of dedicated traffic lights, known as pelican heads, and marked road lines. The crossing is equipped with push-button controls, enabling pedestrians to activate the lights when they wish to cross. When the button is pressed, the pelican heads display a red light to stop vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrians to safely cross the road. Once pedestrians have reached the other side, the pelican heads show an amber or flashing amber light to warn pedestrians of the impending traffic signal change. Finally, the lights turn red for pedestrians, allowing traffic to proceed.

   One distinguishing feature of a pelican crossing is the inclusion of a beeping sound to aid visually impaired pedestrians. When activated, the beeping sound indicates the safe time to cross the road, ensuring that visually impaired individuals can navigate the crossing more effectively. In some cases, tactile paving or raised surfaces may also be present to provide additional guidance.

   Overall, pelican crossings are crucial in enhancing pedestrian safety and promoting efficient traffic flow. Their clear signalization and accessible features enable pedestrians, including those with visual impairments, to safely cross roads by following the traffic lights' instructions.

Common Misspellings for PELICAN CROSSING

• oelican crossing
• lelican crossing
• -elican crossing
• 0elican crossing
• pwlican crossing
• pslican crossing
• pdlican crossing
• prlican crossing
• p4lican crossing
• p3lican crossing
• pekican crossing
• pepican crossing
• peoican crossing
• pelucan crossing
• peljcan crossing
• pelkcan crossing
• pelocan crossing
• pel9can crossing
• pel8can crossing

Etymology of PELICAN CROSSING

The term "pelican crossing" originates from the United Kingdom. It was introduced in the 1960s as a way to describe a type of pedestrian crossing that had a distinct shape and function. The word "pelican" was chosen to describe this crossing due to its acronym, which stands for Pedestrian Light Controlled Crossing. When first introduced, it featured a distinct set of lights, similar to a pelican's beak, which signaled when it was safe for pedestrians to cross the road. Over time, the name stuck, and "pelican crossing" became the commonly used term to refer to this type of pedestrian crossing.

Plural form of PELICAN CROSSING is PELICAN CROSSINGS