The word “pothole” can be split into two parts: “pot” and “hole.” The latter is fairly self-explanatory no matter which way you look at it. But why “pot”? In Middle English, “pot” meant “a deep hole.” Today, it may also mean something of cylindrical shape, like a pot used for cooking.
Full Answer
What is the simplest definition of a pothole?
The simplest is of a linguistic nature. The word “pothole” can be split into two parts—“pot” and “hole.” The latter is fairly self-explanatory no matter which way you look at it.
What is the origin of the word 'pot hole'?
also pot-hole, 1826, originally a geological feature in glaciers and gravel beds, from Middle English pot "a deep hole for a mine, or from peat-digging" (late 14c.), now generally obsolete, but preserved in Scotland and northern England dialect; perhaps ultimately related to pot (n.1) on notion of "deep, cylindrical shape.".
What is the meaning of porthole?
English Language Learners Definition of porthole : a small round window in the side of a ship or aircraft See the full definition for porthole in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Are there potholes on the information superhighway?
Adult and teenage use of consumer, business, and entertainment technology : potholes on the information superhighway. A long time after the road surface is reinstated, there are potholes by the dozen. Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0
How do you spell pothole?
“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 8 Aug.
What type of word is pothole?
pothole. / (ˈpɒtˌhəʊl) / noun. geography. a deep hole in limestone areas resulting from action by running waterSee also sinkhole (def.
What is another word for pothole?
chuckholesPotholes are also called chuckholes.
What does pothole mean in UK?
noun. 1A depression or hollow in a road surface caused by wear or sinking.
Why is a pothole called a pothole?
Anxious for a cheap source of raw materials for making clay pots, the potters would dig into the deep ruts to reach clay deposits underneath. Teamsters driving wagons and coaches over those roads knew who and what caused these holes and referred to them as “potholes.”
What is the sentence of pothole?
1. As the car sped over a pothole she lurched forward. 2. He rode his bike over an enormous pothole.
What is pit hole?
noun The grave. noun A small hollow or pit; especially, a pit left by a pustule of smallpox.
What do you call holes in streets?
A pothole is a depression in a road surface, usually asphalt pavement, where traffic has removed broken pieces of the pavement. It is usually the result of water in the underlying soil structure and traffic passing over the affected area.
What is holes in road called?
pothole noun [C] (HOLE) a hole in a road surface that results from gradual damage caused by traffic and/or weather: The car's suspension is so good that when you hit a pothole you hardly notice it.
When was the term pothole first used?
1) The term was originally used (as cited in 1826) to describe deep, cylindrical-shaped holes in glaciers and gravel beds. (Source) So, it was an easy segue into calling these holes that form on our roads, which have a similar shape, the same thing.
Why is it called a chuck hole?
"Chuck" comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning to shake or strike. It's the same word that gives us "shock." So "chuckholes" are holes produced by the shaking, shocking and striking of automobile and truck tires against the pavement.
Why potholes are round?
Its because the round shape causes the impact of cars and trucks to be distributed evenly. If it was square, the impact would be highest at the corners causing the cover to break. Tubes and pipes are cylindrical and easier to fit down a circular hole. It's because a circular shape won't fall into itself.
How would you describe a pothole?
A pothole is a depression in a road surface, usually asphalt pavement, where traffic has removed broken pieces of the pavement. It is usually the result of water in the underlying soil structure and traffic passing over the affected area.
What is pit hole?
noun The grave. noun A small hollow or pit; especially, a pit left by a pustule of smallpox.
What is the synonym of pit?
Synonyms. coal mine. mine. an explosion at a coal mine. shaft.
What is the synonym of Crater?
noundepression, scrape, chip. cavity. con-cavity. crater. crenel.
How many potholes are there after the road surface is reinstated?
A long time after the road surface is reinstated, there are potholes by the dozen.
Does the budget for maintenance stop potholes?
There is a budget for maintenance but it does not stop the roads having potholes.
Is a pothole a problem for two wheelers?
Potholes are a danger not only for two-wheeled vehicles but for motorists, and we should not have to face that problem in addition to congestion.
Can potholes be avoided?
The potholes that still exist are few and can easily be avoided.
What is a pothole?
pothole. a deep hole; pit. a hole formed in pavement, as by excessive use or by extremes of weather. a more or less cylindrical hole formed in rock by the grinding action of the detrital material in eddying water. a cave opening vertically from the ground surface.
How to use "pothole" in a sentence?
How to use pothole in a sentence. The effortless acceleration and engaging steering are sublime , especially when dodging pothole s and wayward delivery trucks. This means San Diegans could face a year of steep cuts to library hours and park programs, even slower pothole repairs and other cuts to services.
How fast can a Baja 1000 truck hit a pothole?
A Baja 1000 race truck might land 100-mile-per-hour jumps like it’s floating on a cushion of air, but hit a pothole in one at 20 miles per hour and you’ll lose teeth. Keep in mind, the U.S. can barely keep its government open, fix a pothole, or move a train 45 miles in an hour in this country.
Who asked Booker for help with a pothole in front of his house?
A gentleman named Lee Daly from Dublin, Ireland asked Booker for help with a pothole in front of his house .
What is a deep hole in limestone?
geography. a deep hole in limestone areas resulting from action by running waterSee also sinkhole (def. 1) a circular hole in the bed of a river produced by abrasion. a deep hole, esp one produced in a road surface by wear or weathering.
What does "pothole" mean in English?
But why “pot”? In Middle English, “pot” meant “a deep hole.” Today, it may also mean something of cylindrical shape, like a pot used for cooking. Either way, the combination of the two parts seems like a good way to describe those cylindrical holes in the ground.
How did potholes get their name?
Some say potholes got their name because of the potters who dug up chunks of clay from the Roman Empire’s smooth roadways more than 3,000 years ago. The clay became pots and those who rode over the holes in the ground knew they were created by potters, which led to their being called “potholes.” Admittedly, this is a somewhat implausible theory, but still fun to think about!
How did the hole in the river rock form?
Furthermore, in the 1820s, American geologists and civil engineers referred to cylindrical holes in river rock as “potholes,” which formed naturally as a result of erosion. There are also several geological formations that have earned the moniker, such as the 38-feet deep and 42-feet wide Archbald Pothole in eastern Pennsylvania, thought to have been created during the Wisconsin Glacial Period 70,000 years ago.
Can potholes be avoided?
They seem to appear out of nowhere and can cause major damage (either immediately or over time). It can be impossible to avoid them, especially in states plagued with harsh winter conditions and a small infrastructure budget.
What Does Potholing Mean?
Potholing is an investigative construction method whereby the location of underground utilities is exposed. Potholing involves the drilling of exploratory holes, the depth of which spans from ground level to the required extent of the investigation. Potholing confirms the location of utility lines on site and any other existing structures that may be within the defined construction area.
Is it safe to use a backhoe for potholing?
Now considered a risky potholing method, the use of backhoes was once the most popular potholing technique. Excavation with a backhoe is hazardous as utilities can be damaged during the exposure process. It is always essential that a spotter be present during potholing with a backhoe. The spotter is responsible for communication with the backhoe operator on the observation of any utilities. Backhoes are typically used in greenfield potholing operations, where the risk of interference with existing utilities is reduced.
Is "homeschool" a verb or a noun?
Though some sources write it as two words, the single word “homeschool” is the prevalent form and the one favored by Merriam-Webster, for both noun and verb forms. For example:
Is “goodnight” one word or two?
The greeting said to someone at the end of the day is usually written “goodnight,” though “good night” is also sometimes used.
Is “cyber security” one word or two?
As it’s a relatively recent addition to the language, sources differ on whether “cybersecurity” is one word or two. But the Associated Press mandates it as a single word, so “cybersecurity” is the best spelling to go with, whether it’s a noun or an adjective. For example:
Is “everytime” one word or two?
Though similar compound words such as “everywhere” and “everyone” have become common, “everytime” is incorrect. The two-word “every time” should be used in all contexts. For example:
Is “after school” one word or two?
Use the hyphenated “after-school” if the phrase is used as an adjective, or two words as an adverbial phrase. For example:
