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tank car

American  

noun

  1. Railroads. a car containing one or more tanks for the transportation of liquids, gases, or granular solids.


Etymology

Origin of tank car

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Drew McCarty with Specialized Professional Services testified last spring that the tank car “frankly scared the hell out of us.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2024

The hearing on Friday will focus on tank car safety and the trackside detectors.

From Washington Times • Jun. 22, 2023

But the Railway Supply Institute, which represents big tank car manufacturers that own most of the nation’s tank cars, says that’s not possible because of current labor and supply chain shortages.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 31, 2023

The advisory follows another Thursday that called on tank car owners to examine their fleets for models fitted with aluminum covers protecting pressure relief valves and consider upgrading to steel.

From Washington Post • Mar. 3, 2023

He climbs to the top of the tank car and takes a running leap.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

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