<P> A dead end is a street with only one inlet / outlet . A dead end is also known as a cul - de-sac (/ ˈkʌldəsæk / or / ˈkʊldəsæk /, from French for cul ("bottom") + de ("of") + sac ("bag, sack")) or no exit road in certain contexts and dialects . </P> <P> The term "dead end" is understood in all varieties of English, but the official terminology and traffic signs include many different alternatives . Some of these are used only regionally . In the United States and other countries, cul - de-sac is often not an exact synonym for dead end and refers to dead ends with a circular end, allowing for easy turning at the end of the road . </P>

Where does the term cul de sac come from