rack-railway

The rack-railway climbs the steep mountain slope.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Railway with a toothed rail: A "rack-railway" is a type of railway that uses a toothed rack rail, typically laid between the running rails, to provide traction for climbing steep gradients. The locomotive or car has a cogwheel that engages with the rack, preventing slipping.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mountain train operates on a rack-railway to ascend the steep slope. (A railway with a toothed track for steep climbs.)
  • Engineers designed a rack-railway for the funicular to reach the summit. (A railway system using a cog and rack mechanism.)

Advanced Usage

• "rack-railway system": the entire infrastructure of a railway incorporating a rack rail.

  • The rack-railway system is essential for tourism in alpine regions. (The toothed-rail network is vital for mountain travel.)

• "rack-railway locomotive": a specialized engine with cogwheels for such railways.

  • The rack-railway locomotive climbs gradients of up to 25% safely. (A cog-driven train engine for steep inclines.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rack rail (n): the toothed rail itself, distinct from the running rails.

  • The rack rail is made of hardened steel to withstand wear. (The toothed track component.)

• Cog railway (n): an alternative term for a rack-railway, emphasizing the cogwheel.

  • The cog railway in Switzerland is a famous tourist attraction. (A railway using a rack system.)

Synonyms

• Cog railway: a railway where a cogwheel engages a toothed rack for traction.
• Mountain railway: a railway designed for steep terrain, often using a rack system.

Related Idioms

• "Up the rack": a colloquial expression (rare) meaning to climb a steep incline, derived from rack-railways.
  • The old train chugged up the rack, struggling against gravity. (Ascended the steep, toothed track.)