# flume

/ˈfɫum/ (US) · /flˈuːm/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flume
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a narrow channel or pipe that carries water or other liquids. It is often used to move things like wood or ore from a mountain to a lower place.

For teachers: a narrow channel or trough for carrying water or other fluids, typically used for transporting materials like timber or ore. Often constructed from wood, stone, or concrete.

## Examples

- The loggers used a wooden flume to move the trees down the mountain.
- During the gold rush, miners built a series of flumes to transport heavy equipment and supplies across the rugged terrain.
- The ancient irrigation system relied on a network of stone-lined flumes to distribute water evenly across the terraced fields, ensuring the crops survived the dry summer months.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.