sluice

IPA

Dictionary definition of sluice

A channel or passage that is used to control the flow of water.
"The sluice helped redirect the water from the river into the irrigation canals."

Detailed meaning of sluice

It is typically a man-made structure or mechanism designed to manage water levels, redirect water, or regulate its flow. A sluice often consists of a narrow channel with gates, barriers, or valves that can be opened or closed to control the movement of water. It is commonly employed in irrigation systems, drainage networks, or mining operations to direct water to specific areas or to manage the flow of sediments. Sluices can also be found in hydroelectric power plants, where water is channeled through turbines to generate electricity. The purpose of a sluice is to provide a controlled pathway for water, allowing for efficient water management and utilization.

Example sentences containing sluice

1. Miners used a sluice to separate gold particles from the sediment.
2. The floodgates of the sluice were opened to regulate the water level in the reservoir.
3. The engineer inspected the sluice to ensure it was functioning properly.
4. The old mill had a complex system of sluices to power its machinery with water.
5. The heavy rain caused the sluice gates to overflow, flooding the nearby fields.
6. Fish were able to swim upstream through the fish ladder built beside the sluice.

History and etymology of sluice

The noun 'sluice' has its etymological roots in the Old Dutch word 'sluys' and the Middle Dutch word 'sluse,' both of which meant a barrier or gate for controlling the flow of water. These Old Dutch and Middle Dutch terms were influenced by the Old French word 'escluse,' which had a similar meaning and was derived from the Latin word 'excludere,' meaning 'to shut out' or 'to exclude.' Over time, as languages evolved, the word 'sluice' came to represent not only the gates or barriers used to control water flow but also the entire channel or passage associated with such gates. In its contemporary usage, a sluice refers to a structure or mechanism used to regulate the flow of water, often found in dams, canals, or waterways, demonstrating its historical connection to the idea of exclusion and control of water.

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Further usage examples of sluice

1. The sluice efficiently channeled water into the hydroelectric power plant.
2. The maintenance crew cleaned out the debris that had accumulated in the sluice.
3. The construction team built a new sluice system to manage the flow of water during the rainy season.
4. The farmer adjusted the sluice gates to allow water to flow into the rice paddies.
5. The sluice controlled the water flow, preventing erosion and preserving the riverbank.
6. The sluice controlled the flow of water in the irrigation system.
7. Miners used a sluice to separate gold from gravel.
8. The ship navigated through the narrow sluice in the harbor.
9. The dam's sluice gates were opened to release excess water.
10. Engineers designed the sluice to prevent flooding.
11. The ancient aqueduct had a complex sluice system.
12. The fish ladder included a series of sluices.
13. The sluice directed water to power the waterwheel.
14. The sluice diverted water to the rice fields.
15. They cleaned the sluice to ensure proper water flow.
16. The locks and sluices enabled boats to traverse the canal.
17. A sluice in the river helped control its seasonal flooding.
18. The old mill used a wooden sluice for grain milling.
19. The canal had a series of sluices for navigation.
20. The sluice regulated water levels in the reservoir.
21. The sluice channeled water into the hydroelectric plant.
22. The sluice gate malfunctioned, causing water damage.
23. They needed to repair the sluice to prevent leaks.
24. The sluice operated silently, controlling the stream.
25. A rusty sluice gate obstructed the waterway.