The word "sewer" is spelled with two different pronunciations, and this affects its phonetic transcription. When referring to the underground system for carrying off waste water and sewage, it is pronounced /ˈsuːər/. However, when referring to a person who sews, it is pronounced /ˈsəʊər/. In both cases, the word is spelled the same, but the stress and vowel sounds differ. This emphasizes the importance of understanding context when it comes to spelling and pronunciation in the English language.
A sewer is a system of underground pipes, channels, or tunnels specifically designed to carry and transport waste materials, such as human, household, or industrial wastes, typically in liquid or semi-solid form. This system is an integral part of a city's or town's infrastructure, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation of a community.
The primary function of a sewer is to collect and remove wastewater and other unwanted substances from buildings and transport them to treatment facilities for purification or disposal. The network of pipes, often gravity-fed or assisted by pumps, connects various areas and structures within a region, directing the flow towards a wastewater treatment plant or a central point of disposal, such as a river or a sea.
Sewers are typically made of durable materials, like concrete or plastic, to withstand the corrosive effects of the carried waste and to prevent leaks or blockages. They are built underground to minimize their visual impact on the environment and maximize efficiency in waste management. The design and construction of sewer systems involve careful planning and engineering considerations to ensure proper flow, prevent backups, and maintain the health and safety of the surrounding areas.
Overall, sewers play a crucial role in maintaining public health and cleanliness by effectively removing waste from residential, commercial, and industrial areas, preventing the spread of diseases and minimizing pollution of natural water sources.
A pipe or conduit for removing surface water, excrement, and liquid waste.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• One who sews; to sew up, to enclose in anything sewed; to enclose by sewing.
• A channel or pipe to carry off the used or surface water, and the liquid filthy matter, of a town or city.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "sewer" originated from the Latin word "exaquārius", which was derived from "ex" (out) and "aquārius" (pertaining to water). It referred to a drain or conduit that carried away water. Over time, the word evolved into Old French as "esseveoir", meaning a watercourse or water drain. From Old French, it became Middle English "sewere", and eventually "sewer" in Modern English, retaining its original meaning of an underground channel or pipe used for carrying away sewage or waste water.