bascule

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbaskjuːl/
(also bascule bridge)

noun

  • a type of bridge with a section which can be raised and lowered using counterweights.
  • a movable section of road forming part of a bascule bridge.

Origin:

late 19th century: earlier denoting a lever apparatus of which one end is raised while the other is lowered, from French (earlier bacule), 'see-saw', from battre 'to bump' + cul 'buttocks'