floodgate
|flood-gate|
B2
/ˈflʌdˌɡeɪt/
control water flow
Etymology
Etymology Information
'floodgate' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'flodgate', where 'flod' meant 'flood' and 'gate' meant 'gate'.
Historical Evolution
'flodgate' changed from Middle English word 'flodgate' and eventually became the modern English word 'floodgate'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a gate to control water flow', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a gate designed to control the flow of water in a dam or levee.
The engineers opened the floodgate to release excess water from the reservoir.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/04/08 15:38