Dictionary entry

Cul-de-sac

Webster's Dictionary 1913

‖Cul′–de–sac″ (ku′de–s?k″ or kul′de–s?k″), n.; pl.Culs-de-sac (ku′– or kulz′–).

1. A passage with only one outlet, as a street closed at one end; a blind alley; hence, a trap.

2. (Mil.) a position in which an army finds itself with no way of exit but to the front.

3. (Anat.) Any bag-shaped or tubular cavity, vessel, or organ, open only at one end.