Embankment (noun)

1. A raised structure, usually made of earth or stone, that is built along the edge of a river, railway, or road to prevent flooding or erosion.
2. A raised level platform, especially one used for railway tracks.

Origin:

From middle french embankment, from en- ("in") + banque ("bank"), from old high german banca ("bench"), from late latin banca ("table, bench"), from gaulish *banca, *banko.

Examples:

1. The river was prone to flooding, so the authorities built an embankment to contain the water.
2. The trains run on the embankment above the city, giving commuters a view of the skyline.
3. The embankment provided a great view of the surrounding countryside.
4. The embankment was reinforced with concrete to prevent erosion.
5. The workers built the embankment over the course of several months.