aqueduct: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “aqueduct” mean?
A man-made channel or bridge-like structure, often elevated on arches, used for conveying water over a distance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man-made channel or bridge-like structure, often elevated on arches, used for conveying water over a distance.
Any conduit, channel, or anatomical structure that carries a fluid, especially water or bodily liquids. In a figurative sense, it can refer to any means of transmission or supply.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, it strongly connotes historical Roman engineering or large-scale civil engineering projects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, primarily found in historical, academic, or technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “aqueduct” in a Sentence
The aqueduct carries water from X to Y.An aqueduct was built/across/over Z.the aqueduct of [Place Name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aqueduct” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'aqueductal' only in technical anatomy.
American English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'aqueductal' only in technical anatomy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of infrastructure investment or historical tourism.
Academic
Common in history, archaeology, and civil engineering texts discussing ancient or historical water management systems.
Everyday
Very rare. Used when discussing historical sites or notable engineering feats.
Technical
Standard term in civil engineering, hydrology, and anatomy (e.g., cerebral aqueduct).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aqueduct”
- Misspelling as 'aquaduct'.
- Using it to refer to any pipe or gutter.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (e.g., /əˈkwiː.dʌkt/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While many famous aqueducts are bridge-like structures that carry water over valleys, the term can also refer to underground channels or simple canals. The key feature is that it is a constructed channel for conveying water.
An aqueduct is specifically for carrying water. A viaduct is a long bridge, typically with a series of arches, that carries a road or railway across a valley or other low ground. Some structures serve both purposes.
Yes. Modern civil engineering projects that transport water over long distances, especially across difficult terrain, are still called aqueducts, though the materials and technology have changed.
The Romans constructed hundreds of aqueducts across their empire, many of which were remarkably durable and advanced. These structures became iconic symbols of Roman engineering and urban planning, cementing the word's historical association.
A man-made channel or bridge-like structure, often elevated on arches, used for conveying water over a distance.
Aqueduct is usually formal, technical, historical in register.
Aqueduct: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæk.wɪ.dʌkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæk.wə.dʌkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AQUE' (as in aquatic, water) + 'DUCT' (as in conduct, to lead). An aqueduct 'leads water'.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS WATER (e.g., 'The internet is an aqueduct of data'), INFRASTRUCTURE IS A LIFELINE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field, besides history and engineering, is the term 'aqueduct' commonly used?