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standpipe

standpipe

2 7.2
A vertical pipe that carries water in buildings for fighting fires and plumbing
  • noun
  • /ˈstændˌpaɪp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tubería vertical
  • In the event of a fire, firefighters rely on the standpipe system to access water quickly.
  • water from a standpipe

Examples

  • In general, wealthier populations have access to tap water in their houses, as well as functioning drainage and sewage systems, while less affluent sectors of the population depend on standpipes or purchase their water from vendors.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Another 3.5% use water from a standpipe connected to an unregulated source.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Hook us up to a standpipe.

  • Give us a quick refresher on your standpipe system.

  • Not far from the railway workers' booth, there was a standpipe from the tap of which water was flowing down.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Beyond the standpipes, a faint glow can be seen in the darkness.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Caleb, close the drill pipe valve and feed the standpipe.

  • Grindle attaches a hoseline to the building standpipe.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • These populations depend on either standpipes, vendors, or the provision of water from tankers provided by the public sector.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Brian counts down to himself, then rushes to the standpipe, spinning off the cap with a hydrant wrench and attaching the hose coupling.

    Fiction book (1991)

Synonyms

water pipe
vsstandpipe
  • Specialized
6 1.0

A tube that carries water into a house or building

is vertical and used to control flow in plumbing and firefighting systems
riser
vsstandpipe
  • Specialized
5 7.0

A vertical pipe in a building that carries water, gas, or waste to different floors

is vertical and used across plumbing and firefighting systems rather than only between floors
riser pipe
vsstandpipe
  • Specialized
1 6.5

A vertical tube that carries water or gas up between floors in a building

is vertical and used across plumbing and firefighting systems rather than only between floors
riser pipeline
vsstandpipe
  • Specialized
6.5

A vertical pipe in a building that carries water or gas to different floors

is vertical and used across plumbing and firefighting systems rather than only between floors

Surface Forms

standpipe singular
standpipes plural

Morphology

standpipe = stand + pipe (transparent) = stand + pipe

The meaning is a straightforward combination of 'stand' (upright/standing) and 'pipe' (a tube), yielding a vertical pipe; this is inferable by learners who know the base words.

Etymology

Standpipe comes from the two simple English words stand 'to stand upright' and pipe 'a tube'. So a standpipe is a pipe that 'stands' upright to deliver or control water, for example in buildings or for firefighting.