I've never gotten to be first with the dictionary post, so allow me:
ve·hi·cle
n.
- A device or structure for transporting persons or things; a conveyance: a space vehicle.
- A self-propelled conveyance that runs on tires; a motor vehicle.
- A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished: His novels are a vehicle for his political views.
- The concrete or specific word or phrase that is applied to the tenor of a metaphor and gives the metaphor its figurative power, as walking shadow in “Life's but a walking shadow” (Shakespeare).
- A play, role, or piece of music used to display the special talents of one performer or company.
- A substance of no therapeutic value used to convey an active medicine for administration.
- A substance, such as oil, in which paint pigments are mixed for application.
I would say that a crane transports materials from one location to another, so it passes my test. :-)
A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished could be an interesting, challenging idea to pursue, but would be a hard sell getting people to see that interpretation.
|