Word: Embankment
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: An embankment is a long, raised area made of stone or earth. It is built to hold back water (like a river or a lake), to support a road, or to protect land from flooding.
Usage Instructions: You can use "embankment" when talking about construction, land management, or environmental protection. It is often found in discussions about roads, railways, and flood control.
Example Sentence: The town built an embankment along the river to prevent flooding during heavy rains.
Advanced Usage: In engineering, embankments can be designed with specific materials and techniques to ensure they are stable and effective in holding back water or supporting structures, such as roads or railways.
Word Variants: - The verb form of "embankment" is "to embank," which means to create an embankment. - Related nouns include "embankment dam," which is a specific type of embankment built to hold back water in a reservoir.
Different Meaning: While "embankment" primarily refers to a physical structure, in some contexts, it can metaphorically refer to any barrier or support system that helps manage or control a situation.
Synonyms: - Dike - Levee - Barrier - Mound
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "embankment," but you could use the phrase "build an embankment" to describe the action of constructing one.
In Summary: An embankment is an important structure used in civil engineering to manage water and support roads.