An open resting place for travelers along a road; in some contexts, it refers to a river or stream (archaic usage).
From Old French 'aire' (threshing floor, open space), possibly related to Latin 'area.' In modern British English, it primarily refers to planned roadside rest areas.
British motorway 'aires' are interesting cultural artifacts—they're designated rest stops where tired drivers are legally required to take breaks, reflecting European road safety standards built into infrastructure design.
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