和谐英语

英语六级词汇课堂 ’Hypermiling’ down the street

2008-12-29来源:和谐英语
  ’Hypermiling’ down the street
  LANGUAGE often updates itself
  The New Oxford American Dictionary, the dictionary on American English published by the renowned Oxford University Press, chose "hypermile" as its 2008 Word of the Year.
  Combined from "hyper" and "mile", the word is defined as an "attempt to maximize gas mileage by making fuel-conserving adjustments to one’s car and one’s driving techniques" (超级惜油).
  To hypermile, car drivers need to learn a set of tricks – everything from checking air pressure in their tires to avoiding or minimizing braking. Here’s how the word is used:
  One way to hypermile is to drive slower. Driving experts say that staying close to 55 mph is best for the car’s fuel economy.
  This tutorial explains the basics of hypermiling. If you don’t own a hybrid but you still want to save gas, you may want to try it.
  Wayne Gerdes, an American driver and car expert, coined the word. In the US, he is known to hold the record for gas mileage in common vehicles, such as a Honda Accord. After the rise of gas prices in 2000, Gerdes began practicing hypermiling. His story was picked up by the media.
  Those who practice the techniques of hypermiling are referred to as "hypermilers". For example:
  A driver could be a hypermiler and not even know it. Some drive with their air conditioner off, and some shut their engine off if they are stuck in traffic.