name
Meaning 1
A surname.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Standard Lemma guide
deadman
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
Meaning 2
A long object, often a timber or log, buried to serve as an anchor for a wall or for stays.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: business, construction, manufacturing
Examples
- The building code requires deadmen for retaining walls.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Meaning 3
A cutout device that operates in the event that an operator releases the control handles, leaves the operator's seat, or otherwise seems to be no longer present and alert.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Qualifier: safety equipment
Topics: agriculture, business, lifestyle, manufacturing, rail-transport, railways, transport
Examples
- a deadman device
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: dead man's switch
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
Probably from deadman.
From dead + man. In the sense referring to a safety switch, the notion of an operator who is dead is the figurative archetype representing any incapacitation, absence, or inattention. See also Dead Hand in that regard.
Across languages
Translations
4 source translations are retained for this English entry.
- Polish: blok kotwiący — a long object, often a timber or log, buried to serve as an anchor for a wall or for stays
- Russian: анкерная сва́я (ankernaja svája) — a long object, often a timber or log, buried to serve as an anchor for a wall or for stays
- Russian: анкерный кол (ankernyj kol) — a long object, often a timber or log, buried to serve as an anchor for a wall or for stays
- Russian: сто́йка (stójka) — a long object, often a timber or log, buried to serve as an anchor for a wall or for stays
Real reading context