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Glite Dictionary
humpback bridge

humpback bridge

6.7
A small crossing with a steep curved middle that people and cars use over water
  • noun
  • /ˈhʌmpˌbæk brɪdʒ/
translation icon : puente de joroba
  • The old humpback bridge was a charming feature of the village, connecting the two sides of the winding river.

Examples

  • The stream had shrunk to a modest murmuring brook, and the humpback bridge looked picturesque instead of perilous.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • As we crossed the humpback bridge, I admired its steeply curved arch against the bright blue sky.

  • Drivers need to be cautious when approaching the humpback bridge as it can be hard to see oncoming traffic.

Synonyms

bridge
vshumpback bridge
172 3.6

A way to connect two people, groups, or ideas

is a small curved crossing with a steep central arch rather than a general connector
camelback
vshumpback bridge
1 6.5

A short rounded rise in a road or bridge

is a small structure with a steep curved arch peaking at the middle

How Curved

humpback bridge
6.7
flat arch
  • Specialized
7.9

Surface Forms

humpback bridge singular
humpback bridges plural

Morphology

humpback + bridge

The compound meaning is directly compositional: a bridge that has a hump (an arched or raised middle). Knowing 'humpback' (having a hump) and 'bridge' allows a B1 learner to infer this literal shape-based meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

Humpback bridge comes from the bridge's shape — a high, rounded curve like the hump of a camel or a bent back. Because of that visible hump, the name now refers to 'a small bridge with a steeply curved arch'.