duct

[ duhkt ]

noun

1. any tube, canal, pipe, or conduit by which a fluid, air, or other substance is conducted or conveyed.
2. Anatomy, Zoology. a tube, canal, or vessel conveying a body fluid, especially a glandular secretion or excretion.
3. Botany. a cavity or vessel formed by elongated cells or by many cells.
4. Electricity. a single enclosed runway for conductors or cables.
5. Printing. (in a press) the reservoir for ink.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey or channel by means of a duct or ducts:

   Heat from the oven is ducted to the outside.

duct

/ dʌkt /

noun

1. a tube, pipe, or canal by means of which a substance, esp a fluid or gas, is conveyed
2. any bodily passage, esp one conveying secretions or excretions
3. a narrow tubular cavity in plants, often containing resin or some other substance
4. Also calledconduit a channel or pipe carrying electric cable or wires
5. a passage through which air can flow, as in air conditioning
6. the ink reservoir in a printing press

duct

/ dŭkt /

1. A tube or tubelike structure through which something flows, especially a tube in the body for carrying a fluid secreted that is by a gland.

Derived Forms

• ˈductless, adjective

Other Words From

• ductless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of duct¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin ductus “conveyance (of water),” hence “channel” (in Medieval Latin ), equivalent to duc- (variant stem of dūcere “to lead”) + -tus suffix of verbal action

Word History and Origins

Origin of duct¹

C17: from Latin ductus a leading (in Medieval Latin: aqueduct), from dūcere to lead

Example Sentences

Many Jews have removed mezuzahs - the small Torah scrolls - from their doorposts, or they have covered them with duct tape out of fear of reprisal.

From BBC

That’s when her portentous warpaint emerges, a crisp black border drawn from tear duct to wing crowning a frigid, distrustful gaze.

From Salon

The paper is now reinforced with duct tape because of how decisively Jason taps his finger on it, and he enjoys the input both tactilely and aurally.

From Salon

"It wasn’t clearing up and the more I felt it, the more it felt like this wasn’t just a blocked duct," she added.

From BBC

Earthquake precautions include massive metal dampers that are fixed to essential infrastructure, such as the duct carrying the control rooms’ air supply.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conduit
• tube