aqueduct

noun

aq·​ue·​duct ˈa-kwə-ˌdəkt 

1

a

: a conduit for water

especially : one for carrying a large quantity of flowing water

b

: a structure for conveying a canal over a river or hollow

2

: a canal or passage in a part or organ

Did you know?

Based partly on the Latin ducere, meaning "lead" or "conduct," the word aqueduct named an ancient civil-engineering marvel. Ancient Rome's aqueduct system, an extraordinary feat of engineering, brought water to the city from as far as 57 miles (92 kilometers) away. Only a portion of the Roman aqueducts utilized the familiar stone arch; most were underground conduits made of stone or terra-cotta pipe. Modern aqueduct systems now often use reinforced concrete for large water mains, and ductile iron, a stronger and more elastic type of cast iron, for smaller underground pipes.

Synonyms

• canal
• channel
• conduit
• course
• flume
• racecourse
• raceway
• watercourse
• waterway

Examples of aqueduct in a Sentence

marveled at the ancient Roman aqueducts that still carry water to distant villages

Recent Examples on the Web

First-time visitors will want to check the Colosseum and Vatican off their lists, but there are countless things to do in Rome, from picnicking in the shadow of ancient aqueducts to peeking inside aristocratic palaces, not to mention tasting local specialties like carbonara and cacio e pepe. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2024

In Persia, many homes utilized a type of underground aqueduct called a qanat, in combination with a badgir (an Iranian wind-catcher), to keep their homes from overheating. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 July 2024

Watch this video to see how an ancient Roman aqueduct under the Trevi Fountain still powers the iconic landmark. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 13 Aug. 2024

The State Water Project transports water across more than 700 miles through a series of reservoirs, aqueducts, pipelines and pumping plants from Northern California to Southern California. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin aquaeductus, from aquae (genitive of aqua) + ductus act of leading — more at duct

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

aqueduct

noun

aq·​ue·​duct ˈak-wə-ˌdəkt 

1

: an artificial channel for water

especially : one for carrying a large quantity of flowing water

2

: a structure that carries the water of a canal across a river or hollow

Etymology

from Latin aquaeductus "aqueduct," from aquae, form of aqua "water," and ductus "act of conducting or leading" — related to duct

Medical Definition

aqueduct

noun

aq·​ue·​duct ˈak-wə-ˌdəkt 

: a canal or passage in a part or organ