wellhead

[ wel-hed ]

noun

1. a fountainhead; source.
2. Also called wellhouse. a shelter for a well.
3. the assemblage of equipment attached to the opening of an oil or gas well.

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to petroleum, natural gas, etc., at the place and time at which it leaves the ground:

   a wellhead price.

wellhead

/ ˈwɛlˌhɛd /

noun

1. the source of a well or stream
2. a source, fountainhead, or origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of wellhead¹

First recorded in 1300–50, wellhead is from the Middle English word welleheved. See well ², head

Example Sentences

“So we need the carbon filter moved to our wellhead. That’s what all of us need.”

From Los Angeles Times

Starting the field is expected to take intensive engineering work and subsea inspections to check its wellhead integrity, which have not been made in years, experts said.

From Reuters

Idris Musa, head of the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency said on Sunday Eroton had reported the spill to authorities, blaming it on a leak from a wellhead.

From Reuters

If a suitable area is found, a wellhead is constructed.

From Salon

With an umbrella over his shoulder, he watched as the inspectors dipped into the stairwell leading to the underground wellheads.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• geyser
• reservoir
• stream