velodrome
VEE-loh-drohm
/ˈviːlədroʊm/
An arena for track cycling, featuring a steeply banked oval track.
A very specific term; you wouldn't use it for any other sport besides cycling.
The story behind the word. A hybrid word combining Latin 'velox' (swift) and Greek 'dromos' (a running course). It literally means a 'swift-running track'.
Collocations
- indoor velodrome
- Olympic velodrome
- cycling velodrome
- banked velodrome
Example sentences
- "The cyclists reached incredible speeds as they whirled around the wooden track of the velodrome." Olympic cycling.
- "Designing a velodrome requires precise engineering to ensure the banking of the turns is safe for high-speed racing." Architectural design.
Memory hook
A 'velodrome' is for 'velocipedes' (an old word for bicycles) to go fast. Velodrome = Swift track.
When not to use
Don't use for a regular running track (that's just a 'track').
Fun facts
- The banking on a velodrome track can be as steep as 45 degrees, which is why cyclists must maintain a high speed just to stay on the track.
Explore more words
amphitheater, specialized, circuit, embankment, dome, velocity
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