bridgework

American  

[brij-wurk] / ˈbrɪdʒˌwɜrk /

noun

1. Dentistry.

   1. a dental bridge.

   2. dental bridges collectively.

   3. any of several different types of dental bridges.

2. Civil Engineering. the art or process of bridge building.

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bridgework British  

/ ˈbrɪdʒˌwɜːk /

noun

1. 1. a partial denture attached to the surrounding teeth See bridge 1

   2. the technique of making such appliances

2. the process or occupation of constructing bridges

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Etymology

Origin of bridgework

First recorded in 1880–85; bridge ¹ + work

Example Sentences

As you can see here, the Queens facility looks like an anodyne medical clinic, the type of place members of either gender might go to get a mole removed or some new bridgework.

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2015

There was a "good deal of pre-operational planning" involved, Mr Miller said of the incident, noting the complexity suggested the perpetrators had "experience climbing, in construction or bridgework".

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2014

Maybe they’ll let me trade one of my pieces for some bridgework if I ever need it.”

From New York Times • Sep. 18, 2011

Patchy, is the overwhelming feeling that emerges from a reread of the Coens' CV: one fairly decent film supporting – like celluloid bridgework – the obvious weaknesses of the two on either side.

From The Guardian • Feb. 11, 2011

They have no brilliance of phrase, no smart surprises, no worked-up 'situations' which have to be taken at high speed to pass without breakdown over their brittle bridgework of credibility.

From Modern Essays by Ayres, Harry Morgan