conduit

noun

con·​duit ˈkän-ˌdü-ət How to pronounce conduit (audio)
-ˌdyü-,
 also  -dwət,
-dət
1
: a natural or artificial channel through which something (such as a fluid) is conveyed
a conduit for rainwater
2
: a pipe, tube, or tile for protecting electric wires or cables
3
: a means of transmitting or distributing
a conduit for illicit payments
a conduit of information
4
archaic : fountain

Examples of conduit in a Sentence

the major conduit for carrying water to the military base water flowed along the conduit to the fountain
Recent Examples on the Web According to the report, the government is worried about Kaspersky providing a conduit for data theft, the installation of malware, and the general weakening of security by withholding updates. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 June 2024 The food is a conduit of truth, and our space is an arena for exchanging stories and ideas. Omar Tate, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2024 The surface became just a conduit to reach underground tunnels and structures and ceased to be the focus of the fighting. Daphné Richemond-Barak, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2024 The backyard is wired for electrical conduits so a pool or an outdoor kitchen are feasible. Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for conduit 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conduit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conduyt, condyt, cundyte "channel or pipe for conveying water, act of escorting for protection" borrowed from Anglo-French conduit, condet "channel for water, guide, escort party," (also continental Old French), noun derivative from conduit, past participle of conduire "to guide, escort," going back to Latin condūcere "to bring together, join, hire, accept a contract for" (Medieval Latin also "to lead, escort, provide a channel for [water]") — more at conduce

Note: The senses of the vernacular word conduit parallel those of Medieval Latin conductus, conductum—see conduct entry 2. The verb conduct entry 1 and the nouns conduct entry 2 and conductor all had vernacular counterparts in Middle English and early Modern English—conduiten, conduit and conduytour—taken from Anglo-French. Of these only conduit has survived in Modern English, and with the restricted sense "channel for water."

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conduit was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near conduit

Cite this Entry

“Conduit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conduit. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

conduit

noun
con·​duit ˈkän-ˌd(y)ü-ət How to pronounce conduit (audio)
 also  -d(w)ət
1
: a channel through which water or other fluid is carried
2
: a pipe, tube, or tile for protecting electric wires or cables

More from Merriam-Webster on conduit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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