Rail

Definition

Rail primarily refers to a bar of wood or metal, fixed horizontally for any of various purposes, such as support, barrier, or decoration.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /reɪl/
• Respelling: RAYL (with "RAY" as in "ray," and "L" pronounced as the standard English "l")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /reɪl/
• Respelling: RAYL (similar to American English, with "RAY" as in "ray," and "L" pronounced as the standard English "l")

In both dialects, "rail" is pronounced with a single syllable, "RAYL." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with a focus on the "RAY" part.

Etymology

The term "rail" derives from the Middle French "raille", meaning "horizontal bar". It can be traced further back to the Old French "reille" or from Latin "regula", meaning "rule, straight piece of wood".

Derivatives

• Railing
• Railroad
• Railcard
• Railhead
• Railtrack

Synonyms

• Track
• Bar
• Beam

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "rail" is commonly associated with transportation, especially trains. It can also denote barriers or supports in various contexts, such as in buildings, bridges, or even clothing.

Related Terms

• Monorail
• Light rail
• Guardrail
• Rail system

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A bar of wood or metal, used singularly or attached to others as a track for vehicles, particularly trains.
• Example: The rails gleamed in the sun as the train approached.

• A horizontal bar, typically attached to posts and used as a fence or barrier.
• Example: He leaned over the rail to get a better view of the harbor.

• The system of transport that uses trains.
• Example: He prefers traveling by rail instead of by car.

Verb

• To complain or protest strongly and persistently about.
• Example: He railed against the injustices of the system.

• To enclose or separate an area with a rail or rails.
• Example: They planned to rail off the construction site for safety.