Agency Dictionary
aqueduct
nounPronunciation: /ˈæk.wɪ.dʌkt/
In Portuguese: aqueduto
History & Civilizations
Technology & AIWhat does “aqueduct” mean?
An engineered conduit or bridge designed to convey water from distant freshwater springs into urban centers using gravity flow.
Etymology
From Latin aquaeductus, "conveyance of water", made of aquae, the genitive of aqua ("water"), and ductus ("a leading"), from ducere ("to lead"). The word came into English in the 16th century, perhaps through French aqueduc. The English spelling has an e in the middle, as in French, where the Latin has ae.
Usage note
Spelled aqueduct, with an e after the u; "aquaduct" is a common misspelling suggested by words such as aquarium.
Synonyms
- conduit
- channel
- watercourse
- canal
Often confused with
- viaduct
- A viaduct carries a road or railway over a valley or another road; an aqueduct carries water.
Word family
- aquatic
- aqueous
- duct
- conduit
Usage examples
Rivers and aqueducts turned wheels that drove millstones.
Concepts
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Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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