jetway
UK[ˈdʒɛtweɪ]US[ˈdʒɛtˌweɪ]
n
A movable, enclosed bridge that connects an airport terminal gate to an airplane, allowing passengers to board and disembark without going outside.
Morpheme Breakdown
jet
way
jet
way
Etymology
The word 'jetway' is a modern compound, formed in the mid-20th century with the rise of commercial jet travel. It combines 'jet', a clipped form of 'jet plane', with the common English noun 'way', meaning a path or passage. The term is a proprietary name that became generic, created to describe the new enclosed passenger bridges designed specifically for jet aircraft, which sat higher off the ground than older propeller planes. Its formation follows a straightforward and transparent English compounding pattern, literally meaning "the passageway for jets."
Analysis
Structure: jet + way
- jet: Origin: English (from the verb 'jet', meaning to spurt or propel). Role: Modifying root, indicating association with jet aircraft.
- way: Origin: Old English 'weg'. Role: Noun, meaning a path, road, or passage.
Examples
The flight was delayed because the jetway was malfunctioning and couldn't connect to the aircraft door.
Passengers filed through the jetway, eager to begin their vacation.
The ground crew maneuvered the jetway into position against the Boeing 737.