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Weir Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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weir

[wÉŠr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

water

A weir is a barrier across a river designed to alter its flow characteristics. Weirs are commonly used to prevent flooding, measure discharge, and help control water levels.

Synonyms

barrage, dam, embankment.

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Word Description / Examples
weir

A weir is a small barrier built across a river to control the flow of water, often used to measure discharge or to regulate water levels.

  • The weir was constructed to maintain the upstream water levels for the small town.
  • Fish often navigate weirs easily, allowing them to continue their migration upstream.
dam

A dam is a large barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level, forming a reservoir used for water supply, power generation, or irrigation.

  • Hoover Dam is one of the most famous dams in the United States, supplying electricity, water, and recreational opportunities.
  • The construction of the dam significantly improved the region's irrigation systems.
barrage

A barrage is a type of dam that can be used both to control floods and to generate power. It typically spans a river or estuary and may have navigation locks.

  • The barrage on the river helps in managing seasonal floods effectively.
  • The tidal barrage generates renewable energy by harnessing the power of the incoming and outgoing tides.
embankment

An embankment is a raised structure made of earth or stone, typically used to prevent flooding or to carry a road or railway over low ground.

  • The city built a high embankment along the river to protect against potential floods.
  • The new railway embankment allows trains to travel through the valley without the risk of flood damage.

Examples of usage

  • The engineers built a weir to regulate the water flow.
  • The weir was constructed to control the water level in the river.
Context #2 | Noun

engineering

In engineering, a weir is a structure that allows water to flow over it, while also providing a barrier that can be used to measure the flow rate.

Synonyms

barrier, obstruction.

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Word Description / Examples
weir

A weir is typically used in the context of water management or engineering. It refers to a small dam built across a stream or river to control the flow of water.

  • The weir was built to manage the water levels in the river
  • Fishermen often gather around the weir to catch fish
barrier

A barrier is a more general word and can be used in various contexts, usually to refer to something that blocks movement or access.

  • The road was closed with a barrier to prevent cars from entering
  • Fences and walls are common barriers used for security
obstruction

Obstruction usually has a negative connotation and is used to refer to something that impedes progress, passage, or vision.

  • There was an obstruction on the highway that caused a major traffic jam
  • The fallen tree created an obstruction on the path

Examples of usage

  • The weir was designed to accurately measure the amount of water passing through.
Context #3 | Noun

geography

In geography, a weir is a dam-like structure built across a river to control the flow of water and create reservoirs.

Synonyms

barrage, dam, embankment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weir

A weir is usually used to describe a small barrier built across a river or stream to control the flow of water. It is often seen in natural water management and small-scale hydropower generation.

  • The city built a weir to help manage the water levels in the river.
  • Fish can often be seen swimming near the weir.
dam

A dam is a large structure built across a river or stream to block water flow for purposes like water storage, electricity generation, and flood control. It is typically used in more significant and large-scale applications compared to a weir.

  • The dam generates electricity for the entire region.
  • They visited the massive dam during their trip to the countryside.
barrage

A barrage refers to a large artificial barrier built across a river or estuary to control water levels, usually for irrigation, flood prevention, or to generate electricity. The term can also imply a series of gates and locks.

  • The government has approved the construction of a barrage to prevent flooding in the area.
  • A barrage was built to manage the flow of the tidal river.
embankment

An embankment refers to a raised structure made of earth or stone that is used to prevent flooding by containing a river, ocean, or other body of water. It can also be used to support roads, railways, or other pathways.

  • The town built an embankment along the river to prevent flooding.
  • High embankments were placed to protect the railway from landslides.

Examples of usage

  • The weir created a calm pool of water upstream.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Weirs can create small ponds or pools that are beneficial for wildlife, especially for fish breeding.
  • They help regulate water levels which can reduce flooding downstream during heavy rains.
  • In terms of ecology, weirs can also affect the movement of sediment and aquatic organisms.

Engineering

  • Weirs are often used in water treatment plants to measure and manage water flow.
  • Several types include broad-crested, sharp-crested, and flume weirs, each suited for different water flow conditions.
  • They can be made from various materials including concrete, wood, or stone, depending on their purpose.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, weirs are sometimes featured in stories as magical barriers that protect realms from outsiders.
  • Several films depict weirs as mysterious locations where characters meet challenges or find hidden treasures.
  • The aesthetic of weirs often serves as inspiration for painters and photographers, capturing natural beauty.

History

  • Historically, weirs were essential for sustaining communities by providing a stable supply of fish.
  • In ancient civilizations, weirs were among the first structures built to control water, crucial for agriculture.
  • Some of the earliest known weirs date back thousands of years and show the ingenuity of early engineers.

Origin of 'weir'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'weir' comes from the Old English word 'wer', meaning a 'fishing trap'.
  • In medieval times, it was used to describe a structure that holds back water to help with fishing.
  • Related terms include 'weirdo', which originally referred to a person who collected fish at a weir.

The word 'weir' originated from the Old English word 'wer' which meant 'dam' or 'fish-trap'. Weirs have been used for centuries to manage water flow, control flooding, and facilitate activities such as fishing and water mills.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,103, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.