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bridge1 definition

bridge (brij)

noun

  1. a structure built over a river, railroad, highway, etc. to provide a way across for vehicles or pedestrians
  2. a thing that provides connection, contact, or transition a common language is a bridge between cultures
    1. the upper, bony part of the nose
    2. the curved bow of a pair of eyeglasses fitting over the nose
    1. a thin arched, usually wooden support on the belly of violins, lutes, guitars, etc. over which the strings are stretched
    2. a similar support for the strings of a piano, harpsichord, etc.
  3. an overhead framework across sets of railroad tracks, for carrying signals; gantry
  4. a raised structure on a ship, usually in the forward part, from which it is controlled while underway
  5. a dividing partition for keeping fuel in place in a furnace or boiler
  6. Billiards
    1. a position of the hand when it is functioning as a support and guide for the cue in making a shot
    2. a device consisting of a notched transverse piece attached to the end of a cue having the same function
  7. Chem. hydrogen bond
  8. Dentistry a fixed or removable mounting for a false tooth or teeth, attached to a real tooth or teeth
  9. Elec. a device used primarily in measuring resistances, frequencies, etc., by comparing the effect of the unknown element with that of known or standard elements in the circuit
  10. Music a connecting passage between two sections of a composition

Etymology: ME brigge < OE brycge < IE base *bhrū, log, beam, hence wooden causeway

transitive verb bridged, bridging bridg′·ing

  1. to build a bridge on or over
  2. to provide a bridge, connection, transition, etc. across or between

adjective

designating or of products priced between the least expensive and the premium a bridge line

Related Forms:

bridge Idioms

burn one's bridges (behind one)

to commit oneself to a course from which there is no retreat
bridge2 definition

bridge (brij)

noun

any of various card games, for two pairs of players, that developed from whist; esp., contract bridge

Etymology: earlier (1886) biritch, “Russian whist,” altered after bridge; game and name ? of Russ orig.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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