Escalator Definition
ĕskə-lātər
escalators
noun
escalators
A moving stairway consisting of treads linked in an endless belt, used in department stores, subway stations, etc.
Webster's New World
Webster's New World
A motor-driven mechanical device consisting of a continuous loop of steps that automatically conveys people from one floor to another.
Wiktionary
An upward or progressive course.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
- escalator clause
- moving stairway
- moving staircase
- incline
- people-mover
- escalier (French)
Other Word Forms of Escalator
Noun
Singular:
escalator
Plural:
escalatorsOrigin of Escalator
-
From Escalator created by American inventor Charles Seeberger in 1900, from Latin e (“from", "out of”) + scala (“ladder”) + -or, which forms nouns of agency. Formerly a trademark. See: the appendix. Broader usage may be influenced by escalate. For an alternative etymology, see Online Etymology Dictionary.
From Wiktionary
Originally a trademark
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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