pontoon

English

/pɒnˈtuːn/

noun
Definitions
  • (military) A flat-bottomed boat used as a support for a temporary bridge.
  • A floating structure supporting a bridge or dock.
  • A box used to raise a sunken vessel.
  • A float of a seaplane.
  • A lighter or barge used for loading or unloading ships.

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French ponton derived from Latin pontōnem, ponto, pontō (ferryboat).

Origin

Latin

pontōnem, ponto, pontō

Gloss

ferryboat

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms