Difference between revisions of "Bascule"
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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 | + | 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 span by 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'. The origin in French is the informal phrase ''bas cul'', which may be informally translated | + | ::'''''[[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 as 'arse down' - not a bad way of describing a see-saw, if not recommended for academic writing |
Latest revision as of 10:35, 12 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 span by 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 as 'arse down' - not a bad way of describing a see-saw, if not recommended for academic writing
