way station

• Lugar de parada en un trayecto, especialmente una pequeña estación intermedia en una línea ferroviaria donde los trenes se detienen para repostar o para que suban pasajeros; también se usa en sentido figurado para referirse a un refugio temporal o a una etapa intermedia en un proceso.

A stopping point along a journey, especially a small intermediate station on a railroad line where trains stop for supplies or passengers; also used figuratively to mean a temporary resting place or intermediate stage in a process.

1. Intermediate stopB2formalamerican

   A stopping point along a journey, especially on a railway or road, where travelers can rest or change vehicles.

   Estación intermedia

   • The train made a brief stop at a small way station in the countryside.
   • Travelers often use this town as a way station before continuing to the mountains.
   • The old way station has been converted into a museum.

2. C1formal

   A temporary or intermediate stage in a process or development.

   etapa intermedia

   • This internship is a way station on her path to becoming a doctor.
   • The project is just a way station toward the larger goal.
   • Negotiations are a way station to a final peace agreement.