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Glite Dictionary
headrace

headrace

9.9
A channel that carries water to a mill or turbine to make power
  • noun
  • /ˈhɛdˌreɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : canal de entrada
  • The engineers designed a new headrace to improve water flow to the turbine.

Examples

  • During the storm, debris blocked the headrace, causing the water wheel to slow down.

  • The old headrace had to be repaired to ensure efficient power generation at the mill.

  • Response time is 90 seconds to a few minutes, depending on details of the headrace, etc.

    Blog text (16)

Synonyms

race
vsheadrace
  • Archaic
37 8.2

A channel built to carry water to or from a mill

is used specifically to send water to generate power rather than remove it
raceway
vsheadrace
  • Archaic
1 7.5

A channel that directs water to turn a mill wheel

is broader, covering directed flow for power including turbines
millrace
vsheadrace
  • Archaic
9.9

A channel that carries water to turn a wheel at a mill

is used more broadly for directing water to turbines and power generation
millrun
vsheadrace
  • Archaic
9.9

A channel that carries water to turn a mill wheel

focuses on directing water for power including modern turbines
millstream
vsheadrace
  • Archaic
5.6

A stream of water that turns a mill's wheel to give power

is used for channels built to supply water for power and turbines

How Large

aqueduct
18 6.3
canal
90 2.0
headrace
  • Specialized
9.9
sluice
7 7.0

Surface Forms

headrace singular
headraces plural

Morphology

headrace = head + race (semi-transparent) = head + race

Composed of 'head' + 'race' where 'race' in this sense means a water channel; the technical meaning of 'race' is specialized and may not be known to general learners.

Etymology

Headrace combines head (the 'top' or 'source' of water) and race (to 'run' quickly), so imagine water 'running' from the head toward a wheel. That's why a headrace is the channel that carries water to a mill, water wheel, or turbine for power.