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headwall

headwall

1 8.2
A wall at the end of a drain or pipe that holds soil and guides water
  • noun
  • /ˈhɛdˌwɔl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : muro de contención
  • The headwall collapsed after the heavy rain.
  • a concrete headwall

Examples

  • The construction crew installed a concrete headwall at the end of the drainage pipe.

  • We need to reinforce the headwall to prevent erosion.

  • A sturdy headwall helps prevent soil erosion around the culvert opening.

  • After heavy rain, the headwall kept the embankment stable and protected the road.

  • The contractor installed a new headwall to prevent soil erosion at the drainage pipe's exit.

  • During heavy rainfall, the headwall effectively controlled the water flow from the culvert.

  • The design of the headwall ensures that the surrounding soil remains stable and moist.

Synonyms

retaining wall
vsheadwall
  • Specialized
5 4.4

A wall built to hold back soil or water on one side

is located at a culvert or pipe end and controls soil and water flow

Surface Forms

headwall singular
headwalls plural

Morphology

headwall = head + wall (transparent) = head + wall

The meaning 'a wall at the head/end of a culvert or pipe' follows directly from 'head' + 'wall' and is easily inferable.

Etymology

Headwall is made of head ('end' or 'top') and wall ('barrier'), so it names the short wall built at the end of a pipe or drain to hold soil and guide water.