Roundabouts

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An intersection or junction where traffic is directed around a central island in a circular motion; a return to a previous point or situation for a different outcome; a method of avoiding direct routes, often used to enhance safety in vehicular movement
2. A type of traffic management design that facilitates continuous flow by surrounding a central space with vehicular lanes; a circular route that reverts to its starting point; an approach that allows for less abrupt changes in direction while navigating roads
3. A circular roadway in which vehicles travel around a central feature to change direction safely; a strategy for revisiting prior scenarios or decisions for improvement; a format for enhancing traffic efficiency while minimizing delays

Etymology: Before it named a traffic junction, "roundabout" was an adjective meaning indirect. A "roundabout way" was a route that looped around instead of going straight, and that older sense survives in phrases like this. The noun for a circular fairground ride came later, and the traffic meaning grew from the same circular image. The word is a compound of "round", from Old French "rond" and ultimately Latin "rotundus", and "about", from Old English "onbutan", meaning "on the outside of" or "around". Put together, the parts describe something that goes round about, which suits a loop of traffic. "Roundabouts" is simply the plural of the noun, used for several such junctions or rides.

Synonyms: circles, junctions, intersections