bioswale

noun

bio·​swale ˈbī-(ˌ)ō-ˌswāl 

plural bioswales

: a long, channeled depression or trench that receives rainwater runoff (as from a parking lot) and has vegetation (such as grasses, flowering herbs, and shrubs) and organic matter (such as mulch) to slow water infiltration and filter out pollutants

The new plan for Fordham Plaza is designed to be environment friendly, including such elements in the redesign as bioswales to mitigate storm water runoff, solar panels, and a small wind turbine.

—New York Construction, 1 Nov. 2010

Planted with vegetation suited to boggy conditions, the bioswales act like miniature wetlands that filter out—and biodegrade—the toxins contained in the runoff.

—Anita Marks, Business Journal-Portland, 18 Nov. 1994

Word History

Etymology

bi- entry 2 + swale

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

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