sluice

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate
  2. verb pour as if from a sluice
  3. verb irrigate with water from a sluice

Etymology

From Middle English sluse, alteration of scluse, from Anglo-Norman escluse (“sluice, floodgate”), from Late Latin exclusa (“extrusion, gate”), from Latin exclūsus, form of exclūdō (“to shut out, to exclude”) (English exclude). Cognate to Dutch sluis.

In classic literature

Synonyms

sluiceway, penstock

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