Definition of aqueduct
1a : a conduit for water; especially : one for carrying a large quantity of flowing waterb : a structure for conveying a canal over a river or hollow
2 : a canal or passage in a part or organ
From the M-W Editors
Examples of aqueduct in a Sentence
marveled at the ancient Roman aqueducts that still carry water to distant villages
Recent Examples of aqueduct from the Web
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These underground aqueducts, called qanats, are 3,000-year-old marvels of engineering, many of which are still in use throughout Iran.
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Those are all valid arguments---to some---for sending water straight from the Sacramento River to the Aqueduct, bypassing the Delta.
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The canal passed over 18 aqueducts and through the original 83 locks (with a combined up and down of 675 feet) to overcome the 568-foot gain in height between the Hudson and Lake Erie.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aqueduct'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Based party on the Latin ducere, meaning "lead" or "conduct", the word aqueduct named an ancient civil-engineering marvel. You may have seen photos of the great arches of ancient aqueducts spanning valleys in countries throughout the old Roman Empire, practical pipelines that are also regarded as works of timeless beauty. From the 20th century, the 242-mile Colorado River Aqueduct, the 336-mile Central Arizona Project, and the 444-mile California Aqueduct are considered wonders of American engineering, but they are not renowned for their beauty. Most aqueducts today either are riverlike channels or run underground, perhaps appearing simply as a long mound.
Origin and Etymology of aqueduct
Latin aquaeductus, from aquae (genitive of aqua) + ductus act of leading — more at duct
First Known Use: 1538
Other Civil Engineering Terms
AQUEDUCT Defined for English Language Learners
aqueduct
playDefinition of aqueduct for English Language Learners
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: a structure that looks like a bridge and that is used to carry water over a valley; also : a pipe or channel that is used to bring water to an area
AQUEDUCT Defined for Kids
aqueduct
playDefinition of aqueduct for Students
: an artificial channel used to carry water over a valley
Medical Dictionary
aqueduct
playMedical Definition of aqueduct
: a canal or passage in a part or organ
Learn More about aqueduct
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See words that rhyme with aqueduct Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for aqueduct Spanish Central: Translation of aqueduct Nglish: Translation of aqueduct for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aqueduct
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