penstock

[ pen-stok ]

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

/ 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

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of penstock¹

First recorded in 1600–10; pen ² + stock

Word History and Origins

Origin of penstock¹

C17: from pen ² + stock

Example Sentences

Penstock, pen′stok, n. a trough conveying water to a water-wheel.

From Project Gutenberg

Adjoining the engine-well are the grating tank and penstock chamber, and with these the principal main sewer communicates.

From Project Gutenberg

At the gate is placed a vertical iron tube called a penstock, 7½ feet in diameter and 160 feet deep.

From Project Gutenberg

Each turbine in a penstock represents the power of 5,000 horses, and there are now ten or more employed.

From Project Gutenberg

Patrick is with him, his devoted servant, and Miss Penstock has gone to keep house for them.

From Project Gutenberg