weir

[ weer ]

noun

1. a small dam in a river or stream.
2. a fence, as of brush or narrow boards, or a net set in a stream, channel, etc., for catching fish.

Weir

¹

/ wɪə /

noun

1. WeirJudith1954FScottishMUSIC: composer Judith. born 1954, Scottish composer: her operas include A Night at the Chinese Opera (1987), and Armida (2005)
2. WeirPeter1944MAustralianFILMS AND TV: director Peter. born 1944, Australian film director; his films include Dead Poets Society (1989), The Truman Show (1998), and Master and Commander (2003)

weir

²

/ wɪə /

noun

1. a low dam that is built across a river to raise the water level, divert the water, or control its flow
2. a series of traps or enclosures placed in a stream to catch fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of weir¹

before 900; Middle English were, Old English wer, derivative of root of werian to defend, dam up

Word History and Origins

Origin of weir¹

Old English wer; related to Old Norse ver, Old Frisian were, German Wehr

Example Sentences

The study found the highest levels of genetic isolation in rivers that were both polluted with metal and affected by physical barriers such as dams and weirs.

From Science Daily

This showed how it is possible to maintain the full tidal range within existing dams or weirs.

From Science Daily

The restoration of riverside forests, natural meanders in waterways and weirs in the mountains would all help diminish flooding, he said.

From Reuters

The city controls several weirs where water is diverted.

From Los Angeles Times

The weirs allow some fish to continue their journey upstream to spawn while yielding a harvest calibrated to the needs of the local community.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• bar
• door
• doorway
• exit
• fence
• port