conduit

[kon-dwit, -doo-it, -dyoo-it, -dit]

noun

1. a pipe, tube, or the like, for conveying water or other fluid.

   Synonyms: channel, main, duct

2. a similar natural passage.

3. any means of transmission or conveyance, as of information.

   According to rumor, he served as a conduit for Israeli intelligence.

4. Electricity.,  a structure containing one or more ducts.

5. Archaic.,  a fountain.

conduit

/ ˈkɒndɪt, -djʊɪt /

noun

1. a pipe or channel for carrying a fluid

2. a rigid tube or duct for carrying and protecting electrical wires or cables

3. an agency or means of access, communication, etc

4. botany a water-transporting element in a plant; a xylem vessel or a tracheid

5. a rare word for fountain

Word History and Origins

Origin of conduit¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English conduit, condut, condewit, condit, from Old French conduit, from Medieval Latin conductus “pipe channel”; conduce, duct

Word History and Origins

Origin of conduit¹

C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin conductus channel, aqueduct, from Latin condūcere to lead, _conduce

Example Sentences

A simple necklace or beloved leather bag — in Thomas’ case, several leather bags — may seem inconsequential when envisioning a story, but accessories are conduits for setting intentions and building identity.

From Los Angeles Times

Harbor officials believe that electrical conduits through the center of H Dock’s decking were badly damaged, as were potable water lines.

From Los Angeles Times

Food, in his hands, is a conduit for power, pleasure, chaos.

From Salon

In some way, like La Siguanaba, it’s a conduit into another world.

From Los Angeles Times

He selected a location near the California Aqueduct, where a conduit would be built to pump supplies in or out of the state’s main north-south water system.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• duct 
• pipe 
• pipeline