drainage
DRAY-nij
/ˈdreɪ.nɪdʒ/
The natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from an area or piping network.
Refers to gravity-assisted discharge systems handling wastewater, stormwater, or excess condensation.
The story behind the word. Traced back to Old English 'dragnian', meaning 'to draw off water', related to 'drag'. The suffix '-age' was appended in the 17th century to designate the systemic network or process.
Word relationships
- sewerage: Sewerage refers specifically to municipal human waste runoff networks, whereas drainage includes rainwater and runoff.
- runoff: Runoff is the uncollected surface water flow, while drainage describes the active removal system or infrastructure.
- supply line: A supply line brings pressurized fluid into a system; drainage carries wastewater out.
Commonly confused with
- sewage: Sewage is the physical wastewater liquid itself, while drainage refers to the overall system or process of carrying water off.
Word family
- drain (verb): To draw off liquid gradually.
Collocations
- drainage basin
- drainage system
- stormwater drainage
- inadequate drainage
Example sentences
- "Inadequate trench drainage around the building foundation caused water to collect in the lower basement." Civil planning
- "Proper pipe slope is essential to ensure self-cleansing velocity in underground drainage lines." Residential plumbing
Memory hook
DRAINage DRAWS water away down the pipe. Carries water away.
When not to use
Do not use to describe pressurized clean water supply lines delivering water into a building.
Fun facts
- The ancient Indus Valley Civilization had underground brick-lined drainage networks beneath every major street over 4,000 years ago.
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