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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of penstock

First recorded in 1600–10; pen ² + stock

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

penstock

But the skeptics were yelling up the wrong penstock.

From Time Magazine Archive

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 H. C. (Harold C.) Earnshaw

The crowd cheered as the imprisoned waters leapt to freedom with a hollow roar, raising in pitch as the penstock filled and the wheels began to go round.

From Red Saunders His Adventures West & East by Henry Wallace Phillips

It is from this flume that the penstock draws water for the wheel.

From Electricity for the farm Light, heat and power by inexpensive methods from the water wheel or farm engine by Frederick Irving Anderson

I followed on to the penstock, and stood by as cast after cast was made, always cleverly over the rod, but the hook glided back on being drawn without taking hold.

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