Weir: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.