noun
Uncommon
duct
duhkt
Duct (noun) means a tube, pipe, or channel that carries a gas, liquid, or cable from one place to another. Example: “The air conditioning duct runs along the ceiling of every room.”
noun
1
A tube, pipe, or channel that carries a gas, liquid, or cable from one place to another.
"The air conditioning duct runs along the ceiling of every room."
"Doctors checked whether the tear duct was blocked."
"heating and air-conditioning ducts"
How to use duct
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tube or channel for carrying gas, liquid, or cables through a building or body.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
air duct
tear duct
duct tape
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Word forms
- Plural
- ducts
- Third person singular
- ducts
- Past tense
- ducted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The air conditioning _____ runs along the ceiling of every room.
Etymology
From Latin ductus ("a leading, a conducting"), from ducere ("to lead").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “duct” mean?
The word “duct” means a tube, pipe, or channel that carries a gas, liquid, or cable from one place to another. In plain terms, a tube or channel for carrying gas, liquid, or cables through a building or body.
How do you pronounce “duct”?
“Duct” is pronounced duhkt (/dʌkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “duct” in a sentence?
Here is “duct” used in a sentence: “The air conditioning duct runs along the ceiling of every room.”
What part of speech is “duct”?
“Duct” is a noun.
Where does the word “duct” come from?
The word “duct” comes from Latin. From Latin ductus ("a leading, a conducting"), from ducere ("to lead").
Is “duct” a common word?
“Duct” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a duct and a pipe?
A duct typically carries air or gas, especially in heating and ventilation systems, while a pipe more commonly carries liquids such as water. However, duct is also used broadly for any tube or channel carrying gas, liquid, or cable, so the terms can overlap.
What is duct tape named after?
Duct tape gets its name from its traditional use in sealing and joining air ducts in heating and cooling systems, though it is now used far more broadly for general repairs and sealing.
Is duct used in biology as well as engineering?
Yes, duct is also used in biology and anatomy to describe channels in the body, such as tear ducts or bile ducts, that carry fluids from one part of the body to another.
