flatcar
UK: ˈflætkɑː | US: ˈflætkɑːr
n. a railroad freight car with a flat floor and no sides or roof, used for transporting heavy or bulky loads.
The word "flatcar" is a compound noun formed by combining "flat" (from Old Norse "flatr," meaning level or smooth) and "car" (from Latin "carrus," meaning wheeled vehicle). It emerged in the 19th century with the expansion of railroads, describing a simple, flat-decked freight car designed for versatility in transporting goods. The logic is straightforward: "flat" describes the design, and "car" denotes its function as a rail vehicle.
The workers loaded steel beams onto the flatcar for transport.
A flatcar is often used to carry heavy machinery.
The train consisted of ten flatcars and two boxcars.
They secured the cargo to the flatcar with chains.
Flatcars are essential for shipping oversized items like wind turbine blades.