Difference between revisions of "Bascule"
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PeterWilson (Talk | contribs) (New page: A '''bascule''' is a term of engineering. It denotes a counterweight or balance, notably in the case of a '''bascule bridge'''. A '''bascule bridge''' is one like Tower Bridge in Londo...) |
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A '''bascule''' is a term of engineering. It [[denote]]s a counterweight or balance, notably in the case of a '''bascule bridge'''. A '''bascule bridge''' is one like Tower Bridge in London or North Bridge in Hull in which the roadway (a 'span' or 'leaf') swings up to allow ships to pass. The '''bascule''' is the massive structure that pivots in the opposite direction to the spanby counter-balancing its weight. | A '''bascule''' is a term of engineering. It [[denote]]s a counterweight or balance, notably in the case of a '''bascule bridge'''. A '''bascule bridge''' is one like Tower Bridge in London or North Bridge in Hull in which the roadway (a 'span' or 'leaf') swings up to allow ships to pass. The '''bascule''' is the massive structure that pivots in the opposite direction to the spanby counter-balancing its weight. | ||
| − | ::'''''[[etymology|Etymological]] note''''': The word 'bascule' is not formed with the [[diminutive]] [[suffix]] [[-cule]]. It is the French word for 'see-saw', and the [[verb]] ''basculer'' means 'to rock', 'balance', 'tip' or 'fall over'. | + | ::'''''[[etymology|Etymological]] note''''': The word 'bascule' is not formed with the [[diminutive]] [[suffix]] [[-cule]]. It is the French word for 'see-saw', and the [[verb]] ''basculer'' means 'to rock', 'balance', 'tip' or 'fall over'. The origin in French is the informal phrase ''bas cul'', which may be informally translated a 'arse down' - not a bad way of describing a see-saw, if not recommended for academic writing |
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[[Category:French words]] | [[Category:French words]] | ||
[[Category:etymology]] | [[Category:etymology]] | ||
[[Category:clarification of meanings]] | [[Category:clarification of meanings]] | ||
Revision as of 18:32, 11 March 2012
A bascule is a term of engineering. It denotes a counterweight or balance, notably in the case of a bascule bridge. A bascule bridge is one like Tower Bridge in London or North Bridge in Hull in which the roadway (a 'span' or 'leaf') swings up to allow ships to pass. The bascule is the massive structure that pivots in the opposite direction to the spanby counter-balancing its weight.
- Etymological note: The word 'bascule' is not formed with the diminutive suffix -cule. It is the French word for 'see-saw', and the verb basculer means 'to rock', 'balance', 'tip' or 'fall over'. The origin in French is the informal phrase bas cul, which may be informally translated a 'arse down' - not a bad way of describing a see-saw, if not recommended for academic writing
