Ponton
/pɒnˈtuːn/noun
A flat-bottomed boat or floating structure used to support a bridge, platform, or other equipment.
Did you know?The same Latin root produced pontifex—traditionally interpreted as “bridge-maker”—the title used for Rome’s senior priests and later the Pope.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pent-
“To go, tread, or find a way; a reconstructed root associated with routes and passage.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
pons, pontis
“Bridge; a structure allowing passage over an obstacle.”
Classical Latin
Latin
pontifex
“Traditionally, “bridge-maker”; a Roman priestly title, though the word’s exact formation is debated.”
Medieval French
Old French
pont
“Bridge, inherited from Latin pons.”
15th–16th Century
French
ponton
“A small bridge or flat-bottomed boat; formed from pont with a diminutive or augmentative suffix.”
17th Century
English
ponton
“A flat-bottomed boat or floating support used in military bridging and engineering.”
Modern English
English
ponton
“A floating bridge-support vessel or platform, also used as a variant of pontoon.”