How Do You Spell SPILLWAY?

Pronunciation: [spˈɪlwe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The term "spillway" refers to a structure designed to regulate the flow of water from a dam or reservoir. The correct spelling of this word is /ˈspɪlweɪ/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "spill" is pronounced with the short "ɪ" sound, as in "pill", not the long "i" sound as in "mile". The "way" sound is pronounced as it is spelled, with the long "e" sound as in "bee". Remembering these sound patterns can help ensure accurate spelling of this critical engineering term.

SPILLWAY Meaning and Definition

1. A spillway is a crucial component of a dam or any other water-control structure that is designed to safely divert or allow the controlled release of excess water from a reservoir or water body. Specifically, it is an engineered channel or passage that enables the controlled spilling or discharge of water to prevent the dam from becoming overwhelmed and potentially leading to catastrophic failure.

   Generally located at a lower elevation than the dam, a spillway effectively provides a designated route for floodwaters to escape from the reservoir, protecting the integrity and stability of the entire structure. Spillways may come in various designs, such as gated spillways or overflow structures, each tailored to meet the specific water management requirements and characteristics of the dam and reservoir.

   The design and construction of spillways aim to ensure that the volume and velocity of the released water can be carefully regulated, reducing the risk of erosion and downstream flooding. This is often achieved by incorporating innovative features like specialized gates, channels, and energy dissipaters to control and direct the flow of water. Furthermore, spillways can feature specialized geometric shapes or structures to enhance their hydraulic efficiency and provide stability in handling the high discharge rates during flood events.

   Overall, spillways play an integral role in ensuring the controlled release of water, mitigating flooding risks, and maintaining the stability and longevity of dams and other water-control structures.

Common Misspellings for SPILLWAY

• spilly
• spilways
• apillway
• zpillway
• xpillway
• dpillway
• epillway
• wpillway
• soillway
• slillway
• s-illway
• s0illway
• spullway
• spjllway
• spillwaye
• spilwway
• spilwaay
• spillewae
• spellway
• spelway

Etymology of SPILLWAY

The word "spillway" originated from combining two distinct words: "spill" and "way".

- "Spill" comes from the Middle English word "spillen", which means "to shed (liquid), pour out, or run out". This can be traced back to the Old English word "spillan" with the same meaning. The word has its roots in Proto-Germanic and shares a common ancestor with other Germanic languages, such as German "spillen" and Dutch "spillen".

- "Way" has its origins in the Old English word "weg", which means "road, path, or route". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wegaz" and is related to the Old High German word "weg", the Old Norse word "veggr", and the Gothic word "wigs".

Similar spelling words for SPILLWAY

• spell,
• spall,
• splay,
• spill,
• spalla,
• spoil.

Plural form of SPILLWAY is SPILLWAYS