conduit

American  

[kon-dwit, -doo-it, -dyoo-it, -dit] / ˈkɒn dwɪt, -du ɪt, -dyu ɪt, -dɪt /

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.

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conduit British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of conduit

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

Explanation

Instead of complaining about your chores, be grateful for the conduit, or pipe, that brings water to your home. Thanks to it, you don't have to go fetch water from the well whenever your mom wants a cup of coffee. The noun conduit comes from root words meaning "pipe," and the word retains this definition. For example, a channel between a reservoir and a water treatment plant could be called a conduit. Conduit can also be used in a figurative sense to refer to someone or something that conveys goods, information, or ideas. For instance, a religious leader might be seen as a conduit who brings divine messages to the people.

Example Sentences

In the Christian tradition, Jesus is the conduit to God for the faithful.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

Up to the equivalent $8.4 billion in oil payments flowed through this funding conduit in 2024, the Journal previously reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

An additional $200 million will help continue repairs on the Friant-Kern Canal, another key conduit for water in the valley.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

It is the main conduit for oil and other energy products like liquefied natural gas as they flow between much of the Persian Gulf and Asia, Africa and beyond.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 1, 2026

They were also concerned that I was using George as a conduit to communicate with Oliver in Lusaka, and assumed that the written statement would contain sensitive information.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• duct
• pipe
• pipeline