Duct Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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duct
[dĘkt ]
Definitions
air conditioning
A tube or passage that carries air, liquid, wire, etc.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| duct |
Typically used in construction or engineering to describe a tube or passage for air, cables, or other services.
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| 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.
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| pipe |
Generally used to describe a cylindrical tube through which liquids or gases can flow. It can also refer to musical instruments.
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| conduit |
Commonly used in technical and formal contexts to describe a pipe or tube that protects and guides electrical wiring or other fluids.
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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.
anatomy
A tube or canal for carrying a secretion or other bodily fluid
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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).
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| passage |
Describes a way or route through something, often used in both physical and metaphorical senses.
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| tube |
Refers to a long, hollow cylinder used for moving fluids or gases. It can be used in everyday, scientific, or medical contexts.
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| canal |
Refers usually to an artificial waterway for boats or for irrigation. In anatomy, it describes a natural passage in the body.
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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.
transmitting
To convey or channel something through a duct
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| duct |
This option seems to be repeated. It also refers to a tube or passageway, predominantly in technical scenarios.
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| 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.
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| convey |
Used when talking about transporting or communicating an abstract idea, emotion, or information. It can refer to both physical and abstract transmissions.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The ventilation system ducts fresh air into the room.
- The cables are ducted underground for safety.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Architecture
- In modern buildings, ducts are critical for HVAC systems, controlling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
- Masonry and metal ducts are common, each chosen for their specific thermal insulation properties and durability.
- The design and placement of ducts can significantly impact a building's energy efficiency and comfort.
Medicine
- In the human body, ducts refer to channels for transporting substances, like bile from the liver to the gallbladder.
- Breast ducts are vital for nursing mothers, delivering milk to the nipple during breastfeeding.
- Ductal carcinoma is a common type of breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of ducts in health and disease.
Technology
- In telecommunications, ducts often refer to pathways for cables and wiring, ensuring organized infrastructure.
- Fiber optic ducts are designed to protect and route fiber optic cables for high-speed internet connections.
- Ductless air conditioning systems use heat exchanges rather than ducts, representing an alternative technology in cooling.
Pop Culture
- Duct tape, originally designed for sealing ducts, has become an icon for DIY repairs and creative projects.
- References to ducts in movies often symbolize hidden secrets, as in scenes where characters crawl through ventilation systems.
- In cartoons and dramas, duct systems are often portrayed as secret passages for characters to escape or spy.
Origin of 'duct'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'duct' comes from the Latin 'ductus', meaning 'to lead', highlighting its role in directing flow.
- In the late 17th century, it began to be used in English to refer to any tubular structure.
- The term has evolved to apply in various fields such as medicine, construction, and engineering.
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.