highway etymology

Etymology:

The word "highway" is derived from the Old English words "hēah" (high) and "weg" (way).

Meaning:

A highway is a main road, typically wide and with multiple lanes, designed for high-speed traffic. It is a public road that is generally used for long-distance travel.

Origin:

The concept of highways has its roots in ancient civilizations. The Persians, Romans, and Chinese built extensive networks of roads for military and commercial purposes. However, the modern concept of a highway as a multi-lane, high-speed road emerged in the 20th century with the advent of the automobile.

In the United States, the first federal highway system was established in 1925 with the passage of the Federal Highway Act. This act created a national network of highways connecting major cities and rural areas. Over time, the highway system has been expanded and modernized, and it now spans over 160,000 miles.

Today, highways play a vital role in transportation, commerce, and economic development. They facilitate the movement of people and goods across vast distances efficiently and quickly.

highway relate terms

  • high

    Etymology The word high derives from the Middle English word hie which traces its ro

  • high handed

    Etymology The word highhanded is derived from the Middle English word heigh handed

  • mean

    Etymology Old English mǣne Proto Germanic mainiz Proto Indo European mei to think

  • trivium

    Etymology Latin trivium from tri three via way Literally three way crossroads

  • crucify

    Etymology The word crucify comes from the Latin word crucifigere which is a compound

  • stray

    Etymology Stray derives from Middle English straien meaning to wander or to stra

  • larceny

    Etymology Middle English larcenye Old French larrecin Late Latin latrocinium robbe

  • coast

    Etymology The word coast is derived from the Old French word coste meaning rib

  • mall

    Etymology The word mall is derived from the Latin word malleus which means hammer

  • pike

    Etymology Pike is derived from the Middle English word pike which is in turn derived

  • outer

    Etymology The word outer comes from the Middle English word outere which is derived

  • route

    Etymology Middle English route from Old French route from Vulgar Latin rupta via

  • road

    Etymology The word road comes from the Old English word rad which meant a way or