pole
UK: pəʊl | US: poʊl
n. a long, slender, rounded piece of wood or metal
n. either of the two points (North Pole/South Pole) where the Earth's axis meets its surface
n. one of two opposing or contrasting principles or positions
The word "pole" traces back to Old English pāl (stake, post), from Latin palus (stake), and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European peh₂ǵ- (to fasten). The celestial sense (North/South Pole) emerged in the 14th century, metaphorically extending the idea of a fixed axis point. The contrasting principles meaning (e.g., "opposite poles") arose in the 19th century, influenced by magnetic polarity.
She used a bamboo pole to hang the laundry.
The expedition aimed to reach the North Pole.
Their opinions represent two poles of the debate.
The tent was supported by a sturdy metal pole.
The Earth's magnetic poles shift over time.