Spillway - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A spillway is a structure built to allow controlled release of excess water from a dam or reservoir, preventing overflow and potential damage. It ensures safe water management during heavy rainfall or flooding.
Definition:
A channel for excess water to flow over or around a dam or other barrier.
Synonyms:
floodgate, overflow channel, weir, sluice
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
blockage, dam
Common Collocations:
dam spillway, emergency spillway, concrete spillway, spillway design, spillway gate
Derivatives:
spillways (plural), spilled (verb)
Usage Tips:
Use "spillway" to describe structures controlling water flow in dams or reservoirs to prevent flooding.
Common Phrases:
"overflow spillway, " "side-channel spillway, " "ogee spillway"
Etymology:
From "spill" (to flow over) + "way" (path), first recorded in the early 19th century.
Examples:
- 1. The engineers built a spillway to manage the reservoir's water levels during heavy rains.
- 2. The dam's spillway prevented flooding by diverting excess water downstream.
- 3. A broken spillway can cause dangerous overflows and damage nearby areas.
- 4. The new spillway design improves safety and efficiency for the hydroelectric plant.