Crossfall

/ˈkrɔːsˌfɔːl/ noun

Definition

The slope or angle of a road surface across its width, designed to help water drain away from the road.

Etymology

Compound of 'cross' (going across) and 'fall' (the slope or drop of a surface), a technical term in civil engineering that describes a specific drainage feature of road construction.

Kelly Says

Every road has a subtle crossfall that you barely notice while driving, but engineers calculate this precisely—if the slope is too steep, cars drift; too shallow, water pools and creates potholes, which is why something invisible to most of us requires expertise to get right.

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