penstock

American  

[pen-stok] / ˈpɛnˌstɒk /

noun

1. a pipe conducting water from a head gate to a waterwheel.

2. a conduit for conveying water to a power plant.

3. a sluicelike contrivance used to control the flow of water.

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penstock British  

/ ˈpɛnˌstɒk /

noun

1. a conduit that supplies water to a hydroelectric power plant

2. a channel bringing water from the head gates to a water wheel

3. a sluice for controlling water flow

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penstock Scientific  

/ pĕn′stŏk′ /

1. A sluice or gate used to control a flow of water.

2. A pipe or conduit used to carry water to a water wheel or turbine.

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Etymology

Origin of penstock

First recorded in 1600–10; pen ² + stock

Example Sentences

But the skeptics were yelling up the wrong penstock.

From Time Magazine Archive

Everything ready for the test, Stevens took off his frayed and torn leather coveralls and moccasins and climbed nimbly up the penstock.

From Spacehounds of IPC by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)

But the guest grabbed the penstock while it was still vibrating.

From When Egypt Went Broke by Day, Holman

I gasped; and then I was silent, and hearing a loud ejaculation, as I felt the wood of the penstock tremble.

From Burr Junior by Earnshaw, H. C. (Harold C.)

"And that's where you will go back and back and back, as you said about building the penstock?"

From Spacehounds of IPC by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)