1. switchback - Noun
2. switchback - Verb
(rail transport)
A railway track on a steep slope in a zigzag formation, in which a train travels in a reverse direction at each switch. [from mid to late 19th c.]
A railway track on which there are steep ascents and descents, a train moving partially or fully by the force of gravity using the momentum generated when descending to travel up an ascending part of the track; especially (Britain, dated), such a track built for fun rides at an amusement park; a type of rollercoaster.
(by extension)
(aviation) A flight path consisting of a series of steep ascents and descents, generally flown as a stunt.
(chiefly Britain) A path or road having a series of steep ascents and descents.
(chiefly Canada, US, road transport) A sharp bend in a path or road which causes a traveller to almost reverse their direction of travel, especially one of a series of such bends on an incline; a hairpin bend; also a path or road having such a series of bends.
Coordinate term: horseshoe curve
switchback (third-person singular simple present switchbacks, present participle switchbacking, simple past and past participle switchbacked)
(intransitive) To take a zigzag course or path.
Synonym: zigzag
Fast forward eight years and you’ll find the former educator running the show at Switchback Coffee Roasters, a roastery and café located just east of downtown. Source: Internet
There was drama at the Italian Embassy in Accra Friday morning as a young man threatened to blow up the Embassy, located on the Switchback Crescent, Cantonments. Source: Internet