Sluiced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
sluiced
[sluหst ]
Definition
water flow
To sluice means to wash or rinse with a flow of water, often through a channel or sluice gate. This process is typically used to clear away debris or to facilitate the movement of sediments. It can also refer to the mechanism or apparatus used to control this flow. Sluicing is commonly employed in mining to separate valuable materials from waste or to irrigate fields. The term can also imply a sudden rush or surge of water, used metaphorically in various contexts.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- They sluiced the dirt to reveal the gold underneath.
- Water sluiced down the hillside after the heavy rain.
- The farmers sluiced the fields to ensure proper irrigation.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Engineering
- Sluices are crucial in managing waterways for agriculture, preventing flooding, and navigating boats.
- Canals often utilize sluices to control the water level and flow, showcasing human ingenuity in landscape management.
- Modern sluice gates are commonly made from reinforced concrete and are essential for dam construction.
Environmental Science
- Sluicing is used in ecosystems to enhance fish migration by allowing natural water flow.
- Water management techniques, including sluicing, are vital in sustainable agriculture to prevent soil erosion.
- Scientific studies often focus on sluicing effects on sediment transport and river health.
Cultural References
- Sluicing appears in literature to describe floods or heavy rains that cause channels to overflow.
- Music and poetry frequently use 'sluiced' to evoke imagery of overflowing emotions or chaotic experiences.
- In some slang, 'sluice' represents rapid movements in nightlife, like rushing through a crowded area.
Historical Context
- Historically, sluice designs evolved with advances in hydraulic engineering, becoming pivotal in urban development.
- Notable historical examples include sluices used in mines during the Gold Rush for separating gold from sediment.
- Ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, also employed sluice systems to irrigate crops and control water supply.
Origin of 'sluiced'
Main points about word origin
- The word derives from the Middle Dutch 'sluys', meaning 'sluice' or 'gate', which controlled water flow.
- It entered English in the 16th century, initially referring to gates used to manage water.
- Over time, it evolved to include the action of allowing water to flow freely.
The word 'sluice' has its origins from the Middle Dutch word 'sluis', which means 'sluice' or 'gate'. This was borrowed into Middle English during the late 14th century. The term originally referred to a water-controlled channel or pipe that could direct and manage water flow. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass not only the physical structures used to regulate water but also the action of washing and rinsing with flowing water. The usage expanded further in the 17th century to incorporate both its literal and figurative senses, indicating a rush or sudden flow, often of water. The verb form 'sluiced' emerged later, signifying the action of using such a structure or channel. Today, 'sluice' is commonly associated with various industrial, agricultural, and environmental contexts, showcasing its versatility and importance throughout history.