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drainage

n.
US //ˈdɹeɪnədʒ// UK //dɹˈeɪnɪdʒ// drainage
  1. 1 removal of liquid (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way that water or other liquids flow away from a place.

    the process of liquid flowing out of or being removed from a specific area, either naturally or through human intervention.

    Example

    The heavy rain caused problems because the soil had very poor drainage.

    Example

    The natural drainage of the valley was disrupted by the new housing development, leading to unexpected pooling in the lower fields.
  2. 2 a system of drains (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the pipes or ditches used to carry water away from a building or an area.

    the physical infrastructure, including pipes, conduits, and trenches, designed to facilitate the removal of waste water or rainwater.

    Example

    The city is investing millions to improve the old drainage under the streets.

    Example

    Engineers discovered that the Victorian drainage was insufficient for the modern city's requirements, necessitating a complete overhaul of the subterranean network.
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  1. 3 downward wind (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a type of wind that blows down a slope or mountain.

    a katabatic wind that carries high-density air from a higher elevation down a slope under the force of gravity.

    Example

    The cold drainage from the mountains made the valley much chillier at night.

    Example

    Meteorologists monitored the nocturnal drainage of cold air into the basin, which frequently resulted in localized temperature inversions.
    • katabatic wind
Origin

From drain + -age.

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