drainage
🇬🇧 /ˈdreɪnɪdʒ/
🇺🇸 /ˈdreɪnədʒ/
📖 Definitions
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noun
The process or system by which water or other liquids are removed from a place, such as land, a building, or a body.; The natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from an area, especially agricultural land.; The area or basin from which water is drained, especially into a river or other body of water.; The liquid or matter that is drained off, especially pus or other fluid removed from a wound or body cavity in medical contexts.; The act or process of draining; the gradual flow or removal of liquid.; A system of pipes, channels, or other structures used to carry away water or waste liquid.; The gradual loss or depletion of resources, wealth, or vitality from a place or group.
🔗 Details
Word forms
uncountable
Collocations
drainage systemdrainage basindrainage pipepoor drainagedrainage channelsurface drainagedrainage area
Derivatives
draindrainabledrainerdraineddraining
Synonyms
drainingoutflowrunoffdischargesewage
Antonyms
inflowflooding
Commonly confused
drain
EN: 'Drain' refers to the physical pipe or channel itself; 'drainage' refers to the overall system or process of removing water.
sewage
EN: 'Sewage' specifically refers to waste water and excrement; 'drainage' is the broader system or process of liquid removal.
Spelling tips
EN: Remember there is no 'i' between 'a' and 'n': it is 'drainage' (d-r-a-i-n-a-g-e), not 'drainiage'.
💬 Examples
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The city invested heavily in improving its drainage system to prevent flooding.
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Poor drainage in the field led to waterlogged soil and crop failure.
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The drainage of the Mississippi River covers a vast portion of the central United States.
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The nurse monitored the drainage from the surgical wound for signs of infection.
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The drainage of the swamp took several months to complete.
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The old drainage beneath the house had corroded and needed to be replaced.
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The brain drain represented a significant drainage of talent from the developing country.