The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

camber

IPA:

Dictionary definition of camber

The curvature of a road, track, or other surface that slopes slightly upwards towards the center.
"The road had a significant camber to help with drainage."

Detailed meaning of camber

This curvature is designed to help vehicles navigate turns and corners more easily and safely, particularly at high speeds. Camber can also refer to the angle at which a wheel or tire is tilted in relation to the road surface, which can affect the handling and stability of a vehicle. In construction and engineering, camber may also refer to the slight upward curve intentionally built into beams, bridges, or other structures to help compensate for the weight of the load they carry. Camber is an important concept in many fields, including automotive engineering, road design, and structural engineering.

Example sentences containing camber

1. The road's camber ensures proper drainage during rainfall.
2. The racetrack's camber enhances vehicle stability in turns.
3. A slight camber on the runway aids in water runoff.
4. Road engineers adjust the camber for safety and comfort.
5. The skateboard park features a challenging cambered ramp.
6. The camber of the highway minimizes wear and tear.

History and etymology of camber

The noun 'camber' has its etymological roots in Old Norse. It is believed to come from the Old Norse word 'kambur,' which means 'comb' or 'ridge.' In Old Norse, 'kambur' described a ridge or crest, often in a physical sense. Over time, the term transitioned into Middle English as 'camber,' where it took on the specific meaning of the curvature of a road, track, or other surface that slopes slightly upwards towards the center. The association with a ridge or crest is reflected in the way a cambered surface forms a slight rise or curve towards its center, resembling the shape of a comb or ridge. The etymology of 'camber' effectively conveys its historical association with the curvature of surfaces, particularly roads and tracks, emphasizing its role as a noun used to describe the intentional slope designed to enhance stability and drainage on such surfaces.

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Further usage examples of camber

1. The bike trail's camber makes it easier to navigate corners.
2. The car's suspension compensates for uneven camber.
3. The road's camber can affect tire wear and fuel efficiency.
4. Skiers enjoy the thrill of slopes with varying camber.
5. The track's consistent camber allows for faster lap times.
6. Engineers design racecars to handle high-speed camber changes.
7. The road's camber helps prevent puddles after rain.
8. He noticed the road's camber while riding his bicycle.
9. The road crew resurfaced the highway to fix the camber.
10. The steep camber of the hill challenged hikers.
11. The racetrack's camber provides an exciting racing experience.
12. The skater navigated the cambered curve with finesse.
13. The road's camber can affect vehicle alignment.
14. The racecar driver adjusted to the track's changing camber.
15. The mechanic adjusted the camber of the car's wheels.
16. The cyclist struggled to maintain balance on the steep camber of the road.
17. The racetrack had a high camber to allow for faster speeds in turns.
18. The engineers included a camber in the bridge to handle heavy loads.
19. The skatepark had a bowl with a deep camber for advanced riders.
20. The camber of the runway helped planes take off and land safely.
21. The off-road vehicle's suspension was designed for rough terrain and varying cambers.
22. The road cyclist preferred a bike with a stiff frame and tight camber for better handling.
23. The car's camber angle needed to be adjusted after hitting a pothole.
24. The road workers smoothed out the camber on the new highway section.
25. The race car driver felt confident with the track's consistent camber throughout.