Definition

An artificial water channel or trough, typically made of wood, concrete, or metal, used to carry water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, or mining operations. Flumes can be open channels or enclosed conduits, and are often constructed on slopes to create water flow.

Example Usage

The mining operation used a wooden flume to transport water from the mountain stream down to the processing site.

Origin

From French 'fluere' and Latin 'flumen' (river, flow), adopted into English in the 18th century

Fun Fact

Historic flumes in California's Gold Country, some built in the 1800s, still deliver water for irrigation and power generation today.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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