Skyscraper
Noun
Definition: A very tall building of many storeys.
Synonyms: High-rise, Tower, Tall building
Antonyms: Low-rise, One-story building
- The city's skyline is dominated by skyscrapers.
- The new office complex is a stunning skyscraper.
- Picture a building that scrapes the sky, reaching great heights.
Etymology:
The word "skyscraper" originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is a compound word made by combining "sky" and "scrape."
Historical Usage:The term was first used to describe tall buildings in Chicago in the 1880s. Skyscrapers emerged as a result of advances in steel frame construction and the need for efficient use of limited urban space.
Related Idioms:
"Reach for the sky"
Explanation:A phrase meaning to aim high or have ambitious goals.
Misconceptions:
Skyscrapers are always made of glass.
Explanation:While many modern skyscrapers feature glass facades, the term "skyscraper" does not necessarily imply the use of glass as the primary building material. Skyscrapers can be constructed with a variety of materials, such as steel, concrete, or a combination thereof.