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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers theorize that Romans once built a bathhouse on the site, complete with an aqueduct to bring the necessary water, per the statement. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025 Here are some of the latest discoveries: Ancient Roman structure hid under lawn of historic mansion in Slovakia — until now In Bratislava, Slovakia, archaeologists unearthed an ancient Roman aqueduct beneath the lawn of the historic Rusovce Mansion. Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025 Segovia, Spain: Near Madrid, this city offers 54 seconds of totality with a 19% chance of cloud and features an iconic Roman aqueduct. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 And federal officials charged with carrying out the president’s order knew that the state — not the federal government — controls the aqueducts and pump stations that deliver water to Southern California’s cities. Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aqueduct

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

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Cite this Entry

“Aqueduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aqueduct. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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

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