overbank

[ oh-ver-bangk ]

verb (used without object)

, Horology.

1. to have the balance staff oscillate so greatly that the fork of the lever fails to engage, rendering the escapement inoperative.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overbank¹

First recorded in 1880–85; over- + bank ¹

Example Sentences

As part of their work, they showed the importance of rivers frequently spilling over their banks during floods and depositing sediment on adjacent floodplains; such overbank deposition, they found, was a fundamental part of a natural, healthy waterway.

From Science Magazine

In the city of Chicago, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District had to reverse the flow of the Chicago Area Waterway System to Lake Michigan at the Wilmette Pumping Station and at the Chicago River Controlling Works downtown to prevent overbank flooding.

From Fox News

The Overbank Structure was being opened Wednesday in anticipation of higher river levels on the Mississippi.

From Washington Times

A news release from the Corps said the Old River Overbank Structure was being opened Wednesday, ahead of rising water levels.

From Washington Times

After making the first drop and traveling through a small tunnel, the coaster rushes along into a tall overbank turn.

From New York Times