Drainage: meaning, definitions and examples

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drainage

 

[ ˈdreɪnɪdʒ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

water management

The process of removing surplus water or liquid from a particular area, such as land or a building, using drains or other systems.

Synonyms

draining, runoff, water removal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drainage

Used when discussing systems designed to remove excess water, especially from land or buildings. Often used in construction, agriculture, and civil engineering.

  • The city upgraded its drainage system to prevent flooding.
  • Proper drainage is essential for a healthy garden.
water removal

A general term for getting rid of water from any area. Often used in the context of emergency situations, like flooding, or to describe the action without specifying a method.

  • The basement requires water removal after the flood.
  • Efficient water removal systems are crucial in low-lying areas.
draining

Refers to the process of removing liquid, typically used when the liquid is being physically removed from a container or area. Can also imply a sense of exhausting something.

  • Draining the bathtub after a bath is a routine task.
  • The draining of the swamp was essential for the new housing project.
runoff

Used to describe excess water, typically rainwater, that flows over the surface of the land. This term is common in environmental science and geography.

  • Heavy rainfall can cause significant runoff, leading to erosion.
  • Urban runoff often carries pollutants into local rivers.

Examples of usage

  • Proper drainage is essential for preventing flooding in low-lying areas.
  • Regular maintenance of the drainage system is necessary to avoid blockages.
  • The city invested in improved drainage to prevent water damage during heavy rainstorms.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

The removal of substances from a wound or body cavity, such as pus or other fluids, to aid in the healing process.

Synonyms

discharge, exudation, filtration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drainage

This word is mostly used in medical or geographical contexts to describe the process of removing liquids, especially water or bodily fluids, from a particular area.

  • The city's drainage system was overwhelmed by the heavy rain.
  • The doctor checked the patient's wound for proper drainage.
exudation

This term is used primarily in medical and biological contexts to describe the slow oozing or leakage of fluid from tissues, usually as a response to inflammation or injury. It is generally neutral or slightly negative.

  • Exudation from the wound can be a sign of infection.
  • Exudation of sap from the tree was evidence of pest activity.
discharge

This term is used in medical, legal, and industrial contexts to describe the release or removal of substances, people, or objects from a system or location. It's often neutral but can have negative connotations in a medical context.

  • The patient received instructions for wound care at discharge.
  • The factory has to follow regulations for the discharge of waste materials.
filtration

This word is used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts to describe the process of passing a substance through a filter to remove impurities or separate components.

  • The water filtration system ensures clean drinking water.
  • Renal filtration is an essential function of the kidneys.

Examples of usage

  • After the surgery, the nurse assisted with drainage of the wound.
  • Proper drainage of the infection helped the patient recover faster.
  • The doctor used a sterile tube for the drainage of the abscess.

Translations

Translations of the word "drainage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 drenagem

🇮🇳 जल निकासी

🇩🇪 Entwässerung

🇮🇩 drainase

🇺🇦 дренаж

🇵🇱 drenaż

🇯🇵 排水

🇫🇷 drainage

🇪🇸 drenaje

🇹🇷 drenaj

🇰🇷 배수

🇸🇦 تصريف المياه

🇨🇿 odvodnění

🇸🇰 odvodňovanie

🇨🇳 排水

🇸🇮 drenaža

🇮🇸 frárennsli

🇰🇿 дренаж

🇬🇪 დრენაჟი

🇦🇿 drenaj

🇲🇽 drenaje

Etymology

The term 'drainage' originated from the Old French word 'drain,' which came from the Latin word 'drainare,' meaning 'to draw off.' The concept of drainage has been essential throughout history for managing water in various environments, from agricultural fields to urban areas. Effective drainage systems have been developed over centuries to prevent waterlogging, flooding, and other water-related issues.

See also: drain, drained, drainer, draining.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,437, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.