bridge

bridge

bridge¹ [brij]

n.

[ME brigge < OE brycge < IE base * bhrū, log, beam, hence wooden causeway]

1. a structure built over a river, railroad, highway, etc. to provide a way across for vehicles or pedestrians

2. a thing that provides connection, contact, or transition [a common language is a bridge between cultures]

3.

a) the upper, bony part of the nose

b) the curved bow of a pair of eyeglasses fitting over the nose

4.

a) a thin arched, usually wooden support on the belly of violins, lutes, guitars, etc. over which the strings are stretched

b) a similar support for the strings of a piano, harpsichord, etc.

5. an overhead framework across sets of railroad tracks, for carrying signals; gantry

6. a raised structure on a ship, usually in the forward part, from which it is controlled while underway

7. a dividing partition for keeping fuel in place in a furnace or boiler

8. Billiards

a) a position of the hand when it is functioning as a support and guide for the cue in making a shot

b) a device consisting of a notched transverse piece attached to the end of a cue having the same function

9. Chem. HYDROGEN BOND

10. Dentistry a fixed or removable mounting for a false tooth or teeth, attached to a real tooth or teeth

11. Elec. a device used primarily in measuring resistances, frequencies, etc., by comparing the effect of the unknown element with that of known or standard elements in the circuit

12. Music a connecting passage between two sections of a composition

vt.

bridged, bridging

1. to build a bridge on or over

2. to provide a bridge, connection, transition, etc. across or between

adj.

designating or of products priced between the least expensive and the premium [a bridge line]

——————

burn one's bridges behind one or burn one's bridges

to commit oneself to a course from which there is no retreat

bridgeable

adj.

bridge² [brij]

n.

[earlier (1886) biritch, “Russian whist,” altered after BRIDGE¹; game and name ? of Russ orig.]

any of various card games, for two pairs of players, that developed from whist; esp., CONTRACT BRIDGE: see also AUCTION BRIDGE