duct

1 of 2

noun

ˈdəkt 

1

: a bodily tube or vessel especially when carrying the secretion of a gland

2

a

: a pipe, tube, or channel that conveys a substance

b

: a pipe or tubular runway for carrying an electric power line, telephone cables, or other conductors

3

: a tube or elongated cavity (such as a xylem vessel) in plant tissue

4

: a layer (as in the atmosphere or the ocean) which occurs under usually abnormal conditions and in which radio or sound waves are confined to a restricted path

ductal

ˈdək-tᵊl 

adjective

ductless

ˈdək(t)-ləs 

adjective

duct

2 of 2

verb

ducted; ducting; ducts

transitive verb

1

: to enclose in a duct

2

: to convey (something, such as a gas) through a duct

also : to propagate (something, such as radio waves) through a duct

Synonyms

Noun

• channel
• conduit
• leader
• line
• penstock
• pipe
• trough
• tube

Examples of duct in a Sentence

Noun

air ducts to provide ventilation

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive, stage zero cancer trapped inside the milk ducts. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024

The goal is to avoid a tight bra or have the underwire push against a duct, leading to a clog or infection. —Maya Polton, Parents, 16 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin ductus, from Medieval Latin, aqueduct, from Latin, act of leading, from ducere to lead — more at tow entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing duct

• bile duct
• collecting duct
• duct tape
• ejaculatory duct
• pancreatic duct
• seminal duct
• thoracic duct
• Wolffian duct

Kids Definition

duct

noun

ˈdəkt

1

: a tube or vessel carrying a bodily fluid (as the secretion of a gland)

2

: a pipe, tube, or channel through which a fluid (as air or water) flows

ductless

ˈdək-tləs

adjective

Etymology

Noun

from scientific Latin ductus "tube or vessel from a gland," from Latin ductus "aqueduct," from earlier ductus "act of leading" — related to aqueduct, dock entry 3

Medical Definition

duct

noun

ˈdəkt 

: a bodily tube or vessel especially when carrying the secretion of a gland