Broad-gage is a term that is commonly used in various contexts, including railway systems, engineering, and even in the figurative sense. It has a specific meaning and definition that is important to understand, especially for those who work in the industries where it is used frequently.
Definitions
Broad-gage is a term that refers to a specific type of railway track gauge. It is wider than the standard gauge, which is the most commonly used gauge in the world. In the United States, broad-gage refers to a gauge of 5 feet, while in other countries, it can refer to gauges of up to 6 feet.
In engineering, broad-gage can refer to anything that is wider than the standard size or specification. For example, a broad-gage pipe would be wider than the standard size pipe.
In the figurative sense, broad-gage can refer to something that is comprehensive or all-encompassing. For example, a broad-gage education would be one that covers a wide range of subjects and topics.
Origin
The term broad-gage originated in the early days of railway systems when different companies were using different gauges for their tracks. In the United States, the Erie Railroad was the first to use a broad-gage track, which was 6 feet wide. Other companies followed suit, and soon, broad-gage tracks were being used in various parts of the country.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of broad-gage can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a railway track gauge wider than the standard gauge.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “having a greater width than usual or expected.”
Associations
Broad-gage is most commonly associated with railway systems and engineering. It is also associated with the concept of comprehensiveness or all-encompassing.
Synonyms
Synonyms for broad-gage include wide-gage, broad-gauge, and broad-track.
Antonyms
Antonyms for broad-gage include narrow-gage, standard-gage, and small-gage.
The same root words
The root word for broad-gage is “gauge,” which refers to the width of something.
Example Sentences
- The railway company decided to switch to a broad-gage track to accommodate larger trains.
- The engineering firm designed a broad-gage pipe to handle higher volumes of water.
- The university offers a broad-gage education that covers a wide range of subjects and disciplines.
Broad-gage is a term that is used in various contexts, including railway systems, engineering, and education. It refers to something that is wider than the standard size or specification. Understanding the meaning and definition of broad-gage is important for those who work in these industries or encounter the term in their daily lives.