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lock-gate

lock-gate

4.9
A gate that opens and closes to let boats pass and control water in a canal
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : compuerta
  • Many lock-gates along the canal need maintenance.

Examples

  • The old lock-gate was replaced to improve navigation for boats on the canal.

  • The engineer inspected the lock-gate to ensure it was functioning properly before allowing any vessels to pass.

  • After heavy rain, the lock-gate had to be carefully operated to prevent flooding.

  • The lock-gate opened slowly to let the boats through.

  • The captain waited for the lock gate to open before guiding the boat into the next section of the canal.

  • As the lock gate closed behind them, the water level began to rise, lifting their vessel to a new height.

  • Boaters often have to wait for the lock gate to reopen after it closes to let them pass through safely.

Synonyms

sluice gate
vslock-gate
  • Specialized
1 6.5

A gate that opens to let water flow and closes to stop it in a river or canal

is specific to structures that change water level to let boats pass
water gate
vslock-gate
  • Specialized
4.8

A gate or valve that controls water flow in dams and canals

is specific to canal chamber ends that change level to let boats pass

How Restrictive

dam
205 1.8
sluice gate
  • Specialized
1 6.5
floodgate
  • Specialized
5 4.0
lock-gate
  • Specialized
4.9
spillway
  • Specialized
8 5.4

Surface Forms

lock-gate singular
lock-gates plural

Morphology

lock-gate = lock + gate (transparent) = lock + gate

Meaning is straightforwardly the compound of 'lock' and 'gate' referring to the gate of a canal lock; components directly indicate the concept.

Etymology

Lock-gate comes from the simple parts lock and gate: a gate is a 'door' and a lock here is a 'closed place' for water that can raise or lower boats. So a lock-gate is the door that controls the water and lets boats pass.