Meanings
unsprung1
- not comparableNot supported by the suspension of a vehicle.
Amongst the factors peculiar to electric m.u. traction are the heavy unsprung weight of the motors (generally, the greater the weight, the worse is the riding); […].
1960 February, “Letters to the Editor”, in Trains Illustrated, page 1251 more example
The locomotive is carried on two six-wheel bogies, the outer axles of each bogie being driven by series type d.c. motors, completely suspended to reduce the unsprung weight to a minimum.
1947 January and February, “Gas Turbine-Electric Locomotive for G.W.R.”, in Railway Magazine, page 26 - not comparableNot fitted with springs; lacking springs.
He had an unsprung trailer for the job[.]
2000, Bob Foster, Birdum or Bust!, Henley Beach, SA: Seaview Press, page 1691 more example
The Winchburgh Shale Line is of 2 ft. 6 in. gauge. The surface trucks or tubs are cuboidal metal boxes mounted on unsprung four-wheeled chassis.
1958 September 28, Anthony A. Vickers, “The Winchburgh Shale Line”, in Railway Magazine, page 613
unsprung2
- participlepastsimple past and past participle of unspring
Origin
Cite this entry
unsprung. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/unsprung
“unsprung.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/unsprung. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “unsprung,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/unsprung.
Source: unsprung on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.