ducts
|ducts|
/dʌkts/
(duct)
passageway
Etymology
'duct' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ductus', the past participle of 'ducere', where 'ducere' meant 'to lead'.
'duct' came into English via Medieval/Latin usage (Middle English adopted from Medieval Latin 'ductus'); the Latin 'ductus' (from 'ducere') developed into the English noun 'duct'.
Initially it meant 'a leading or drawing' in Latin, and over time it came to mean 'a channel for leading or carrying (liquids, air, etc.)' in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a tube, canal, or channel that conveys fluids, air, or other substances (natural or artificial).
The building's heating ducts were cleaned before winter.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
anatomical passage in a living organism (e.g., bile duct, tear ducts) that carries secretions or fluids.
The surgeon examined the patient's bile ducts for signs of blockage.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/23 17:14