beanstalk

noun

Etymology: From bean + stalk.

1. The stem of a bean plant, proverbially fast-growing and tall.
2. A tall, slim person.
3. A space elevator.

   “If we don't build a Beanstalk, somebody else will—and once one is working, the number of rocket launches will drop to zero. That's the source of more than half our income.”

   “I have never liked riding the Beanstalk. My distaste was full-blown even before the disaster to the Quito Skyhook. A cable that goes up into the sky with nothing to hold it up smells too much of magic.”