turnstile

Definition

A gate with rotating arms that allows one person to pass through at a time when they insert a ticket or transit card; commonly found in public transit systems and venues.

Example Usage

Commuters tap their transit cards at the turnstile to enter the subway station.

Origin

From 'turn' + 'stile' (a set of steps for passing over a fence), first used in the 18th century.

Fun Fact

Modern turnstiles often incorporate electronic payment systems and security features to prevent fare evasion.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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