floodgate
5
4.0
- noun
- /ˈflʌdˌɡeɪt/
- Specialized
:
compuerta
- The dam's floodgate was opened to allow excess water to flow downstream.
Examples
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When there is no rain at high tide, engineers keep the floodgates up, preserving freshwater inside the reservoir.
Academic text (2016) -
The Old River Control Structure is a floodgate system located in central Louisiana.
Blog text (11) -
Work continues on the floodgates of the 17th Street Canal levee.
Academic text (2007) -
A floodgate was installed at the culvert under Jethro Mills Road.
Academic text (2007) -
With low tide and rivers in flood, engineers open the floodgates, letting the precious freshwater and its sediment flow.
Academic text (2016) -
But when a rainstorm causes flooding during high tide, to prevent saltwater intrusion, the floodgates must stay closed.
Academic text (2016) -
During the storm, engineers worked quickly to adjust the floodgate to prevent flooding in the nearby town.
-
The city's floodgate system effectively managed the heavy rainfall, protecting homes from water damage.
Synonyms
1
6.5
A gate that opens to let water flow and closes to stop it in a river or canal
A gate or valve that controls water flow in dams and canals
A gate that controls the flow of water in a channel
A gate that controls water flow in a canal
A movable barrier at the start of a canal that controls water flow
A gate that controls water flowing into a canal or field
A gate that opens and closes to let boats pass and control water in a canal
Idioms
A sudden large flow of people, messages, or feelings that happens after a block is removed
How Restrictive
205
1.8
- Specialized
1
6.5
- Specialized
5
4.0
- Specialized
- Specialized
8
5.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word floodgate is made from flood ('large flow of water') and gate ('door' or 'opening'), so it is literally a door that controls water. That's why a floodgate means a gate or valve used to control the flow of water at a dam, mill, or channel.