Duct: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ง
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duct

 

[ dสŒkt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

air conditioning

A tube or passage that carries air, liquid, wire, etc.

Synonyms

channel, conduit, pipe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
duct

Typically used in construction or engineering to describe a tube or passage for air, cables, or other services.

  • The air conditioning system uses a network of ducts to distribute cool air throughout the building
channel

Often used in both literal and metaphorical senses. Literally, it can refer to a waterway or a groove. Metaphorically, it can mean a means of communication or a route.

  • The TV station has a new channel dedicated to news
  • / The river was diverted into a new channel
pipe

Generally used to describe a cylindrical tube through which liquids or gases can flow. It can also refer to musical instruments.

  • The water pipe burst and caused a flood in the basement
  • / He played a beautiful melody on his pipe
conduit

Commonly used in technical and formal contexts to describe a pipe or tube that protects and guides electrical wiring or other fluids.

  • The electrical conduit runs through the ceiling and provides protection for the wires
  • / The company will act as a conduit for the exchange of information

Examples of usage

  • The ducts in our house need to be cleaned regularly.
  • The air conditioning system uses ducts to distribute cool air throughout the building.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

A tube or canal for carrying a secretion or other bodily fluid

Synonyms

canal, passage, tube.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
duct

Used primarily in technical or medical contexts to describe a tube or passage in a building (for air or cables) or in the body (for fluids).

  • The air-conditioning duct runs through the ceiling.
  • The bile duct carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.
passage

Describes a way or route through something, often used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

  • The secret passage led directly to the treasure.
  • The passage of time heals many wounds.
tube

Refers to a long, hollow cylinder used for moving fluids or gases. It can be used in everyday, scientific, or medical contexts.

  • She used a tube of toothpaste this morning.
  • The test tube was filled with a chemical solution.
canal

Refers usually to an artificial waterway for boats or for irrigation. In anatomy, it describes a natural passage in the body.

  • The Panama Canal allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
  • The ear canal is part of the outer ear.

Examples of usage

  • The tear ducts in the eyes help drain excess tears.
  • The bile duct carries bile produced by the liver to the intestines.
Context #3 | Verb

transmitting

To convey or channel something through a duct

Synonyms

channel, convey, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
duct

This option seems to be repeated. It also refers to a tube or passageway, predominantly in technical scenarios.

  • The air conditioning system's efficiency depends on well-maintained ducts
channel

Often used in situations where directing a flow or communication is involved. It can refer to physical watercourses, television stations, or pathways for communication.

  • The engineer designed a channel to manage the flow of rainwater
  • Please change the TV to channel 5
  • The company is looking for new channels to distribute their products
convey

Used when talking about transporting or communicating an abstract idea, emotion, or information. It can refer to both physical and abstract transmissions.

  • The letter was intended to convey his deep appreciation for their support
  • The conveyor belt will convey the packages to the loading area
transfer

Commonly used in cases involving the movement of people, objects, or data from one place to another. It suggests a change of location or ownership.

  • She decided to transfer to another university for her master's degree
  • The company will transfer the funds to your account by tomorrow

Examples of usage

  • The ventilation system ducts fresh air into the room.
  • The cables are ducted underground for safety.

Translations

Translations of the word "duct" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น duto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฒเคฟเค•เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rohrleitung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ saluran

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ัƒะฑะพะฟั€ะพะฒั–ะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kanaล‚

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ€ใ‚ฏใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท conduit

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ conducto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kanal

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋•ํŠธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ู†ุงุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ potrubรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ potrubie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฎก้“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ cevovod

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leiรฐsla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑะฑั‹ั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒ“แƒ˜แƒœแƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kanal

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ conducto

Etymology

The word 'duct' originated from the Latin word 'ductus', which means 'a leading'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to a tube or passage that carries fluids, air, or wires. Over time, the term has expanded to include various types of channels or conduits, both in anatomical and mechanical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,826 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.