siding
UK: ˈsaɪdɪŋ | US: ˈsaɪdɪŋ
n. a short section of railroad track connected to a main track for shunting or parking trains
n. material (such as wood or metal) used to cover the exterior walls of a building
v. present participle of "side" (to support or align with a group or opinion)
The word "siding" originates from the verb "side," which derives from Old English "sīde" (meaning "flank" or "edge"). The suffix "-ing" forms a noun indicating an action (e.g., "building") or a result (e.g., "covering"). In the 19th century, "siding" gained its railroad sense from the idea of a secondary track branching off the "side" of the main line. The construction material sense emerged later, referring to wall panels attached to the "sides" of a structure.
The train was parked on a siding to allow the express to pass.
They chose vinyl siding for their house because it’s low-maintenance.
The politician was accused of siding with corporate interests.
Workers installed new siding to protect the building from weather damage.
The factory’s siding was rusted and needed replacement.