third rail

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third rail

1. The rail that supplies the high voltage to power a train on an electric railway.

2. A subject that tends to be avoided because of its offensive or controversial nature: "Social Security, the 'third rail' of American politics" (Charles Stein).

third rail

1. (Railways) an extra rail from which an electric train picks up current by means of a sliding collector to feed power to its motors

2. politics

a. a cause or topic that is considered extremely dangerous for a person to support or comment on

b. (as modifier): a third-rail issue.

third′ rail′

a rail in an electrified railroad that provides current to a car or locomotive.

[1865–70, Amer.]

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Noun

third rail - a rail through which electric current is supplied to an electric locomotive

rails, runway, rail, track - a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll

Translations

strømskinne

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References in periodicals archive ?

I was able to see the only preserved ex South Tyneside 3rd rail electric multiple unit which ran between Newcastle Central and South Shields from 1955 to 1963.

Culture pick a poor choice; Letters

This tender relates to the european public procurement procedure for reintegration services including 3rd rail.

Re-integration Service Including 3rd Track

Surely common sense should prevail and the people who made this decision should think again and support the guards in their quest to keep the travelling public safe on our electric 3rd rail system on Merseyside.

'Removing guards could increase the risk of sex attacks' FORMER MERSEYTRAVEL CHAIRMAN SLAMS 'CULL'

The 3rd rail package contains a proposal for a Regulation that would establish minimum mandatory clauses in terms of service quality to be included in transport contracts which might otherwise be declared null and void.

RAIL TRANSPORT: THIRD RAIL PACKAGE TO BE UNVEILED ON MARCH 3

how electrification both 3rd rail and ohle and other services would be accommodated;

Innovative Low Disruption Tunnel Renewals

Track work in connection with opening of new bg 3rd rail line pnk-bpu of ald dvn.

Misc. Civil Works (painting, Brick Work, Earth Work, Jungle Cleaning, Water Way Clearance Etc