Plural of gateway; passages or openings that provide access between two places or states.
From 'gate' plus 'way' (a path or journey). The compound 'gateway' dates to Middle English and metaphorically describes any entrance or transition point.
The word 'gateway' took on metaphorical power—we now speak of 'gateway drugs,' 'gateway cities,' and 'gateway experiences,' showing how a physical concept became our primary way of thinking about access and transition.
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