aqueduct
AK-wuh-duhk-t
/ˈækwɪdʌkt/
An artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a bridge across a valley or other gap.
Specifically refers to large-scale infrastructure, often associated with Roman engineering.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'aquae' (water) and 'ductus' (a leading). It is literally a 'water-leader'.
Word relationships
- conduit: 'Conduit' is a more general term for any channel or pipe.
- watercourse: 'Watercourse' can be natural (like a stream); 'aqueduct' is always man-made.
Commonly confused with
- viaduct: An aqueduct carries water; a viaduct carries a road or railway.
Collocations
- Roman aqueduct
- ancient aqueduct
- build an aqueduct
Example sentences
- "The Roman aqueduct at Segovia is one of the best-preserved elevated structures of its kind." History
Memory hook
Aqua (water) + Duct (lead) = Water leader. Lead water.
When not to use
Don't use for a simple garden hose or a small kitchen pipe.
Fun facts
- The city of Rome was supplied by eleven different aqueducts, which provided its citizens with an abundance of water rare for the ancient world.
Explore more words
irrigation, arch, canyon, hydroelectric, infrastructure, fjord
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