A rail or metal rod that restricts or controls movement, often used on vehicles or in machinery to prevent something from moving too far or too fast.
From 'check' (to restrict or control movement) and 'rail' (a metal bar or track). This term emerged in mechanical engineering and transportation contexts where control mechanisms needed names.
Checkrails on trains prevent cars from shifting sideways on curves—a critical safety feature that was actually invented after numerous derailments, showing how tragedy often drives engineering innovation.
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