outfall

American  

[out-fawl] / ˈaʊtˌfɔl /

noun

1. the outlet or place of discharge of a river, drain, sewer, etc.

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outfall British  

/ ˈaʊtˌfɔːl /

noun

1. the end of a river, sewer, drain, etc, from which it discharges

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outfall Scientific  

/ out′fôl′ /

1. The place where a sewer, drain, or stream discharges.

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Etymology

Origin of outfall

First recorded in 1620–30; out- + fall

Example Sentences

Beaches near the river mouth and the sewage treatment plant outfall have regularly been closed because of high levels of bacteria in the ocean.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2025

Just by the M6 services at Chorley we visit an outfall that National Highways can't find a record of on their database.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2024

She starts by easing a 1-meter-tall metal frame into the water, outfitted with equipment to track the water’s cloudiness, salinity, temperature, and pH near the power plant outfall.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 30, 2023

The outfall drain used by part of the base also carries runoff from a major local roadway.

From Washington Times • May 6, 2023

Sam scrambling below the outfall of the lake, smelling and touching the unfamiliar plants and trees, forgetful for the moment of Mordor, was reminded suddenly of their ever-present peril.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien