bascule

[ bas-kyool ]

noun

, Civil Engineering.

1. a device operating like a balance or seesaw, especially an arrangement of a movable bridge basculebridge by which the rising floor or section is counterbalanced by a weight.

bascule

/ ˈbæskjuːl /

noun

1. Also calledbalance bridgecounterpoise bridge a bridge with a movable section hinged about a horizontal axis and counterbalanced by a weight Compare drawbridge
2. a movable roadway forming part of such a bridge

   Tower Bridge has two bascules

Word History and Origins

Origin of bascule¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from French: name for a number of seesawlike mechanical devices, Middle French bacule, noun derivative of baculer “to strike on the buttocks” (probably originally, “to land on one's buttocks”), equivalent to bas “down” + -culer, verbal derivative of cul “rump, buttocks”; -s- by false analysis as bas(se) adjective + cule taken as a feminine noun; base ², culet

Word History and Origins

Origin of bascule¹

C17: from French: seesaw, from bas low + cul rump; see base ², culet

Example Sentences

Though teased by the temporary span, voters in 1921 continued to point thumbs down for the bascule.

From Seattle Times

“To the best of our calculations at this point, it would be one of the largest bascule bridges in the world, or it would have to be broken into two to three bridges,” Johnson said.

From Seattle Times

Since 1976, the bridge’s two arms, or bascules, have been operated by engines powered by oil and electricity, replacing the original steam-powered ones that dated back to the 19th century.

From Reuters

The Allen Park driver, 26, was behind the wheel of a Dodge sedan when he accelerated and attempted to cross the Fort Street bascule bridge around 7 p.m. on Wednesday -- as it was rising.

From Fox News

The 95-year-old bascule bridge looming overhead cuts a dramatic shape, especially every time the span opens, and the nautical activity along the narrow canal is oh-so-entertaining!

From Seattle Times