flume

[ floom ]

noun

1. a deep narrow passage or mountain ravine with a stream flowing through it, often with great force:

   Hikers are warned to stay well clear of the flumes, especially during the spring thaw.

2. an artificial channel or trough for conducting water, as one used to transport logs or provide water power.
3. an amusement park ride in which passengers are carried in a boatlike or loglike conveyance through a narrow, water-filled chute or over a water slide.

verb (used with object)

, flumed, flum·ing.

1. to transport in a flume.
2. to divert (a stream) by a flume.

flume

/ fluːm /

noun

1. a ravine through which a stream flows
2. a narrow artificial channel made for providing water for power, floating logs, etc
3. a slide in the form of a long and winding tube with a stream of water running through it that descends into a purpose-built pool

verb

1. tr to transport (logs) in a flume

Word History and Origins

Origin of flume¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English flum, from Old French, ultimately from Latin flūmen “river, stream”

Word History and Origins

Origin of flume¹

C12: from Old French flum , ultimately from Latin flūmen stream, from fluere to flow

Example Sentences

We've been hoping, Ba'tiste and myself, that we would be able to induce you to lease us your portion of the lake and a flume site.

From Project Gutenberg

It still is possible for me to obtain lumber, but to get it to the mill necessitates a flume and rights in the lake.

From Project Gutenberg

We'll never fulfill the contract, even with the machinery, unless we can get the use of the lake and a flume to the mill.

From Project Gutenberg

And what's the use of the gold in the ground when the flume isn't there to work it out?

From Project Gutenberg

"I never heard Mr. Munroe say that the flume was wrong," said Jessie quickly.

From Project Gutenberg