Eavestrough: meaning, definitions and examples
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eavestrough
[ ˈiːvstrɔː ]
home construction
An eavestrough, also known as a gutter, is a narrow channel at the edge of a roof that collects and diverts rainwater away from the foundation of a building. This prevents water damage to the structure and landscaping. Eavestroughs can come in various materials, including metal, plastic, or wood.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The eavestrough needs to be cleaned after the fall leaves have fallen.
- We installed a new eavestrough to ensure proper water drainage.
- Make sure the eavestrough is sloped correctly for efficient water flow.
Etymology
The term 'eavestrough' originates from Middle English, where 'eaves' refers to the lower edges of a roof that overhang and 'trough' is derived from Old English 'troh', meaning a channel or container for holding liquids. The concept of collecting rainwater from roofs dates back to ancient civilizations, where they developed rudimentary systems to prevent water from eroding their foundations. Over time, the implementation of more sophisticated drainage systems, such as eavestroughs, became essential in building architecture. The combination of these two words reflects the functional purpose of the structure: to channel rainwater away from the eaves of a building, thereby protecting it from potential water damage.