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Flume Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flume

[fluːm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

water channel

A flume is a watercourse or a structure designed to guide water in a specific direction. It is often used in irrigation or in the transportation of water from one location to another. Flumes can be constructed from various materials, including wood, concrete, or metal. They may range in size from small channels that direct rainwater to large constructions for managing river flow. Flumes are also used in hydrology to measure flow rates in streams and rivers.

Synonyms

channel, conduit, waterway.

Examples of usage

  • The engineer designed a flume to divert river water.
  • We built a flume to irrigate our crops effectively.
  • The flume helped us measure the stream's flow rate accurately.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'flume'

The word 'flume' originates from the Latin word 'flumen', which means 'river' or 'stream'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century, adopting the sense of a water channel or an artificial watercourse. Its usage expanded with the development of various engineering techniques for managing water flow, particularly in agriculture and industrial applications. The concept of a flume became particularly significant during the era of water transportation and mining, where directing water through specific channels was essential for efficiency and functionality. Over the years, 'flume' has retained its association with water management, while also being applied in more modern contexts, such as theme park attractions and recreational activities involving water slides.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,977, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.