LOCK CHAMBER Meaning and
Definition
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A lock chamber, also known as a lock, is a confined area within a canal or waterway that allows boats and vessels to navigate through different elevations by regulating water levels.
Typically rectangular in shape, a lock chamber consists of two pairs of lock gates at its ends, an upper gate and a lower gate. These gates are operated manually or electronically and are responsible for opening and closing the lock chamber. When vessels approach a lock chamber, the gates are opened, allowing the boats to enter. The gates are then closed behind the boat, sealing off the chamber.
Once the vessel is inside the lock chamber, the water level is adjusted by either flooding or draining water from the chamber. If the boat is going downstream, water is released from the chamber, lowering the water level until it matches the downstream section of the canal. Conversely, if the boat is going upstream, water is introduced into the chamber, raising the water level to match the higher part of the canal.
The water level adjustment allows boats to traverse through different elevations seamlessly, without the need for difficult and dangerous navigation techniques. This process helps to maintain water levels in different sections of the canal and allows boats to bypass natural or artificial obstacles like rapids, waterfalls, or uneven terrain.
Lock chambers play a prominent role in managing water traffic, enabling efficient transportation and trade through canals and waterways.
Common Misspellings for LOCK CHAMBER
- kock chamber
- pock chamber
- oock chamber
- lick chamber
- lkck chamber
- llck chamber
- lpck chamber
- l0ck chamber
- l9ck chamber
- loxk chamber
- lovk chamber
- lofk chamber
- lodk chamber
- locj chamber
- locm chamber
- locl chamber
- loco chamber
- loci chamber
- lock xhamber
Etymology of LOCK CHAMBER
The word "lock chamber" is a compound phrase consisting of two distinct words, "lock" and "chamber".
1) Lock: The word "lock" originated from the Middle English word "loke" which meant a fastening device or a means to secure or restrict access. It can be traced back to the Old English word "loc" or "locca" which meant a bolt or bar used to secure a door. The Old English word itself derived from the Proto-Germanic word "lukan" meaning "to close" or "to shut".
2) Chamber: The word "chamber" comes from the Old French word "chambre", which referred to a room or an enclosed space. The Old French term can be traced back to the Latin word "camera" meaning "vault" or "chamber".
