aqueduct

noun

aq·​ue·​duct ˈa-kwə-ˌdəkt How to pronounce aqueduct (audio)
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.

Examples of aqueduct in a Sentence

marveled at the ancient Roman aqueducts that still carry water to distant villages
Recent Examples on the Web Hikers, bikers and sun-seekers fill their days with trips to the rocky beaches and natural pools and treks along the levadas, which are aqueducts built by early settlers. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 8 July 2024 Behind the scenes at the Trevi Fountain Video Ad Feedback CNN goes inside ancient Roman aqueduct under Trevi Fountain 02:28 - Source: CNN Rome’s Trevi Fountain is one of the most celebrated landmarks in one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 5 Oct. 2024 Travelers will have the chance to take part in walking tours, visit an aqueduct, enjoy a wine tasting, and go on a bike tour. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for aqueduct 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aqueduct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aqueduct was circa 1552

Dictionary Entries Near aqueduct

Cite this Entry

“Aqueduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aqueduct. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

aqueduct

noun
aq·​ue·​duct ˈak-wə-ˌdəkt How to pronounce aqueduct (audio)
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 How to pronounce aqueduct (audio)
: a canal or passage in a part or organ

More from Merriam-Webster on aqueduct

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