Sluice

Definition

A controlled gate or valve that regulates the flow of water, or to wash something with a rush of water. As a verb, it means to flush or rinse thoroughly with large amounts of water.

Example Usage

The dam operator opened the sluice to release water downstream during the heavy rainfall.

Origin

From Middle French escluse, derived from Latin exclusa (shut out), referring to water shut out or controlled by a gate.

Fun Fact

Sluices have been used for irrigation and water management for thousands of years, with examples found in ancient Egypt and China.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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