culvert
What does "culvert" mean?
A culvert is a tunnel-like structure or a pipe that allows water to flow under a road, railway, or embankment. Think of it as a small, man-made channel that prevents water from pooling on one side of a construction project, effectively acting like a bridge for water rather than people. While it is a technical term used primarily in civil engineering and infrastructure, you might hear it in rural contexts when discussing drainage or property maintenance. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless you are specifically talking about road construction or heavy rainfall events.
"culvert" in conversation
Driving during a storm
The rain is coming down so hard, the creek is rising!
The rain is coming down so hard, the creek is rising!
I hope the culvert under the main road doesn't get blocked with debris again.
I hope the culvert under the main road doesn't get blocked with debris again.
Culverts are often prone to clogging during heavy storms.
Home renovation
We need to install a larger culvert for your driveway access.
We need to install a larger culvert for your driveway access.
Is that really necessary for such a small ditch?
Is that really necessary for such a small ditch?
Used here in the context of residential property management.
"culvert" in a sentence
The heavy rain washed out the small culvert.
The heavy rain washed out the small culvert.
Engineers inspected the concrete culvert to ensure proper drainage.
Engineers inspected the concrete culvert to ensure proper drainage.
The construction of the highway necessitated the installation of several reinforced box culverts to manage the natural water runoff.
The construction of the highway necessitated the installation of several reinforced box culverts to manage the natural water runoff.
