flume

noun

ˈflüm 

1

: an inclined channel for conveying water (as for power)

2

: a ravine or gorge with a stream running through it

Synonyms

• canyon
• cañon
• col
• couloir
• defile
• gap
• gill [British]
• gorge
• gulch
• gulf
• kloof [South African]
• linn [chiefly Scottish]
• notch
• pass
• ravine
• saddle

Examples of flume in a Sentence

hiked through the flume and into the meadow beyond it

built a flume next to the road for runoff

Recent Examples on the Web

All About Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Disney’s Upcoming Princess and The Frog Ride The basic components of the flume ride remain, including its famous 50-foot drop. —Staff Author, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024

There were long lines Sunday for the Giant Wheel, the log flume and other popular rides as people used the last of ride tickets many had bought earlier in the year, thinking Wonderland would go on forever. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024

Their native dirt pile, which sits atop Mason Mountain, is brought down to the water flume for people of all ages to sift through. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2024

Knott’s, however, gave the ride, one that moves in its flume at a relatively brisk pace, a narrative about turn-of-the-century loggers, showing the world that thrill rides could carry a story. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from Middle English flum river, from Anglo-French, from Latin flumen, from fluere — more at fluid

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

flume

noun

ˈflüm 

1

: a sloping channel for carrying water (as for power)

2

: a ravine or gorge with a stream running through it