flume

[ floom ]

noun

1. a deep narrow passage or mountain ravine with a stream flowing through it, often with great force:

   Hikers are warned to stay well clear of the flumes, especially during the spring thaw.

2. an artificial channel or trough for conducting water, as one used to transport logs or provide water power.
3. an amusement park ride in which passengers are carried in a boatlike or loglike conveyance through a narrow, water-filled chute or over a water slide.

verb (used with object)

, flumed, flum·ing.

1. to transport in a flume.
2. to divert (a stream) by a flume.

flume

/ fluːm /

noun

1. a ravine through which a stream flows
2. a narrow artificial channel made for providing water for power, floating logs, etc
3. a slide in the form of a long and winding tube with a stream of water running through it that descends into a purpose-built pool

verb

1. tr to transport (logs) in a flume

Word History and Origins

Origin of flume¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English flum, from Old French, ultimately from Latin flūmen “river, stream”

Word History and Origins

Origin of flume¹

C12: from Old French flum , ultimately from Latin flūmen stream, from fluere to flow

Example Sentences

The only thing missing was the noise of the Al Nassr striker's trademark 'siu' celebration echoing round the plastic flume as he flew down it.

From BBC

Magic Mountain’s vintage take on a log flume attraction is no-frills — our boats go up a lift, enter a brisk current and then speed down a hill.

From Los Angeles Times

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the Walt Disney Co.’s replacement for its Splash Mountain log flume ride that was first announced in 2020, is at last ready for its closeup.

From Los Angeles Times

A log flume boat that spent most of its life at the Alton Towers theme park has been found washed up on the banks of a Sheffield river.

From BBC

Following the success of Pirates of the Caribbean, Nunis wanted a log flume attraction that would serve as the next big water ride at Disneyland.

From Seattle Times