transit
transit Lexical Profile
transit Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The act of moving people, goods, or materials from one place to another.
"The fragile ceramic bowls were carefully packed to ensure they were not damaged in transit."
North American A public system of transportation consisting of buses, trains, subways, or ferries.
"The mayor promised to expand public transit by funding a new light rail line."
The apparent passage of a celestial body across the meridian of an observer or across the face of a larger celestial body.
"Astronomers gathered in the observatory to witness the rare transit of Venus across the Sun."
• verb
To pass across, through, or over an area or region.
"The massive cargo ship transited the Panama Canal successfully despite the dense fog."
To pass across the face of a larger celestial body or a specific meridian (in astronomy).
"From our vantage point, the small exoplanet transits its host star every four days."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to systems of public transportation, 'transit' is primarily used in North American English, whereas British English strongly prefers 'transport'.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Late Middle English, derived from Latin 'transitus' (a passing over), from the verb 'transire', composed of 'trans-' (across) and 'ire' (to go).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.