Gantry

Definition

A bridge-like overhead structure spanning an area, used to support equipment like cranes, cameras, or railway signals; also, the launch structure for rockets.

Example Usage

The cargo ship was lifted by the massive gantry crane at the port.

Origin

From Old Norse 'göntuðr' or Middle English 'gauntree,' possibly related to 'gant' (a stand or frame).

Fun Fact

NASA's crawler-transporter moves the Space Shuttle and Space Launch System to the launch pad under a gantry structure weighing over 13 million pounds.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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