# third rail

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. The electrified rail that runs beside or between train tracks to power electric trains.
2. Anything that is controversial or dangerous to come into contact with, or is best avoided.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/third-rail