Pronunciation: [stˈə͡ʊvpa͡ɪp] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "stovepipe" can be confusing. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈstoʊvˌpaɪp/. Notice that the "e" in "stove" sounds like "oh" and "i" in "pipe" sounds like "eye". The "o" before "ve" and "i" before "pe" create separate syllables. This word refers to a long, narrow pipe used for exhausting smoke from a stove. Its spelling might be tricky, but its meaning is clear.
Stovepipe is a noun that refers to a metal or wooden pipe used specifically for conveying smoke or exhaust gases from a stove, furnace, or fireplace to the outside air. It is typically installed vertically and extends upwards from the appliance, allowing the released gases to escape through the roof or chimney. The purpose of a stovepipe is to provide a controlled route for the ventilation of combustion byproducts, ensuring they are safely expelled from the interior of a building.
This term can also be used metaphorically to describe a narrow and isolated information channel or system within an organization or group. In this context, it refers to a situation where information flows in a straight line, limiting its sharing or integration with other departments or individuals. A stovepipe structure can hinder effective communication and collaboration between different parts of an organization, leading to inefficiencies, duplication of efforts, and a lack of coordination.
Stovepipe also has a specific meaning in the context of information technology (IT) and computer systems. It refers to a software design pattern where different components or modules of a system are developed and maintained independently, without proper integration. Stovepipe systems often suffer from data redundancy, poor interoperability, and restricted scalability, as they lack a unified architectural approach and fail to communicate effectively with other systems.
The word "stovepipe" originally referred to a pipe or chimney used for venting smoke and fumes from a stove. The term "stovepipe" is composed of two parts: "stove" and "pipe".
The word "stove" comes from the Old English word "stofa", which meant "a heated room" or "a heated enclosure". It referred to a small, enclosed space where a fire was kept burning for warmth or cooking purposes. Over time, "stove" specifically came to refer to a device used for heating or cooking in households.
The word "pipe" comes from the Old English word "pipa", which meant "a pipe, tube, or conduit". It is derived from the Latin word "pipare", meaning "to whistle" or "to chirp", as pipes were often used to create sounds.
