skyscraper etymology

Etymology

The word "skyscraper" is a compound noun consisting of the words "sky" and "scraper."

  • "Sky" refers to the immense height of the building, reaching into the sky.
  • "Scraper" refers to the action of scraping or grazing the sky.

Meaning

A skyscraper is a tall, multi-story building that rises far above its surroundings. Skyscrapers are usually designed for commercial, residential, or mixed-use purposes. They are often constructed in urban centers where land is scarce and vertical space is at a premium.

Origin

The term "skyscraper" was first used in the late 19th century to describe the early high-rise buildings that were emerging in American cities such as Chicago and New York. These buildings were typically around 20-30 stories tall, and they were considered to be architectural marvels at the time.

The first building to be officially recognized as a skyscraper was the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, which was completed in 1885. It stood 10 stories tall and was considered to be the tallest building in the world at the time.

Since then, skyscrapers have become more common in cities around the world. Today, there are thousands of skyscrapers standing over 100 stories tall, with the tallest building being the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which stands at 163 floors and 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall.

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