gateway

[geyt-wey] /ˈgeɪtˌweɪ/
noun
1.
an entrance or passage that may be closed by a gate.
2.
a structure for enclosing such an opening or entrance.
3.
any passage by or point at which a region may be entered:
New York soon became the gateway to America.
4.
software or hardware that links two computer networks.
Origin
1700-10; gate1 + way
Examples from the web for gateways
  • Inside, with stone gateways front and back, showing that it was of the processional type.
British Dictionary definitions for gateways

gateway

/ˈɡeɪtˌweɪ/
noun
1.
an entrance that may be closed by or as by a gate
2.
a means of entry or access: Mumbai, gateway to India
3.
(modifier) allowing entry, access, or progress to a more extreme form: gateway drug, gateway drink
4.
(computing) hardware and software that connect incompatible computer networks, allowing information to be passed from one to another
5.
a software utility that enables text messages to be sent and received over digital cellular telephone networks
Word Origin and History for gateways

gateway

n.

1707, from gate + way. Figurative use from 1842.