Dam
/dæm/
Definitions
2 meaningsA barrier constructed to hold back water, typically used for generating electricity, irrigation, or flood control.
/dæm/
A barrier built across a river or stream to hold back water.
The hydroelectric dam provides power to the entire region.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really big wall built across a river. That's a dam! It helps us store water, like a giant water bottle for a town or a farm. Think of it like building a big fort to keep the water in and control its flow.
👶 For kids: A big wall built across a river to hold back water.
More Examples
The dam's reservoir is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
The old dam was finally removed to allow the river to flow freely again.
How It's Used
"Engineers are monitoring the structural integrity of the dam."
"The construction of the dam has altered the local ecosystem."
To obstruct or block something, typically the flow of water or a liquid, by building a barrier.
/dæm/
To restrict the flow of a liquid or something else.
They decided to dam the river to create a lake.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a wall to stop water from flowing. That's 'damming' the water. You're blocking its path to control where it goes. Like putting a cork in a bottle of water.
👶 For kids: To block or stop the flow of something, like water.
More Examples
The authorities are trying to dam the spread of the disease.
The company aims to dam up the river to harness its energy.
How It's Used
"The government is trying to dam the flow of illegal immigration."
"They planned to dam the river in several locations."
From Middle English *dam, from Old English *damm* (attested in place names), likely related to Dutch dam and German Damm, all ultimately from Proto-Germanic *dammō, possibly from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to build, construct'.
Used since the Old English period, primarily in reference to barriers for water control.