— roadless , adj. — roadlessness , n.
/rohd/ , n.
1. a long, narrow stretch with a smoothed or paved surface, made for traveling by motor vehicle, carriage, etc., between two or more points; street or highway.
2. a way or course: the road to peace.
3. a railroad.
4. Often, roads . Also called roadstead . Naut. a partly sheltered area of water near a shore in which vessels may ride at anchor.
5. Mining. any tunnel in a mine used for hauling.
6. burn up the road , Slang. to drive or move very fast.
7. down the road , in the future: Economists see higher interest rates down the road.
8. hit the road , Slang. to begin or resume traveling: We hit the road before sunrise.
9. one for the road , a final alcoholic drink taken just before departing from a party, tavern, or the like.
10. on the road ,
a. traveling, esp. as a sales representative.
b. on tour, as a theatrical company: The musical ends its New York run next week to go on the road.
c. started; under way: We need funds to get the project on the road.
11. take to the road , to begin a journey or tour. Also, take the road .
12. the road , the places, usually outside of New York City, at which theatrical companies on tour generally give performances.
[ bef. 900; ME rode, earlier rade, OE rad a riding, journey on horseback, akin to ridan to RIDE ]