causeway

/ˌkɔzˈweɪ/

/ˈkɔzweɪ/

Other forms: causeways; causewayed; causewaying

A causeway is a raised road that crosses a body of water or very low, wet ground. If an island has a causeway, you won't need to take a boat to get there.

Causeways are built atop an embankment, a heap of soil raising the roadway (or train track) above the ground. A causeway itself is made of earth, wood, concrete, or stone, providing a solid surface for vehicles. Ancient causeways were compressed by the feet of humans or animals, with layers of soil added until they were high and compact enough to be useful. The word comes from the Latin calx, "heel," from the notion of stamping down on the earth.

Definitions of causeway

1. noun

   a road that is raised above water or marshland or sand
   type of:

   road, route

   an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
2. verb

   provide with a causeway
   “A causewayed swamp”

   type of:

   furnish, provide, render, supply

   give something useful or necessary to
3. verb

   pave a road with cobblestones or pebbles
   type of:

   pave

   cover with a material such as stone or concrete to make suitable for vehicle traffic