detention basin
- noun
- /dɪˈtɛnʃən ˈbeɪsən/
- Specialized
:
balsa de retención
- A well-maintained detention basin can effectively prevent soil erosion by slowing down the flow of stormwater.
Examples
-
To reduce flooding in the area, engineers designed a detention basin that will temporarily hold excess rainwater.
-
PHOTO (COLOR): Detention basins are often used to collect stormwater above ground.
Academic text (2002) -
The city constructed a large detention basin to manage the stormwater runoff during heavy rains.
Synonyms
86
4.3
A large area, like a lake, that stores water or other liquids
12
1.0
A wide, round container with sloping sides for holding water or food
1
7.3
A place where water is kept behind a dam for storage
A pond made by people that holds rainwater to prevent flooding and keep the water clean
How Large
86
4.3
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
3
9.2
4
3.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
detention + basin
The meaning 'a basin that temporarily holds water' is directly derivable from combining 'detention' (the act of holding or keeping) with 'basin' (a low area or receptacle where water gathers). The compound follows a straightforward modifier+noun composition ('detention' basin = a basin for detaining/holding water), so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer the MWE's meaning despite its technical use.
Etymology
Detention basin is a mostly literal name: detention means holding back and a basin is like a bowl or shallow pool. Imagine a big bowl that catches stormwater and keeps it for a short time before letting it out slowly, so it 'temporarily stores and releases stormwater' to prevent flooding and erosion.