Wiktionary:Word of the day/2023/February 27

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switchback n (often attributively or figuratively)

(rail transport) A railway track on a steep slope in a zigzag formation, in which a train travels in a reverse direction at each switch. A railway track on which there are steep ascents and descents, a train moving partially or fully by the force of gravity using the momentum generated when descending to travel up an ascending part of the track; especially (British, dated), such a track built for fun rides at an amusement park; a type of rollercoaster. (by extension) (aviation) A flight path consisting of a series of steep ascents and descents, generally flown as a stunt. (chiefly British, road transport) A path or road having a series of steep ascents and descents. (chiefly Canada, US, road transport) A sharp bend in a path or road which causes a traveller to almost reverse their direction of travel, especially one of a series of such bends on an incline; a hairpin bend; also a path or road having such a series of bends. switchback v (intransitive) To take a zigzag course or path.

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