| Library / English Dictionary |
FLOODGATE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Regulator consisting of a valve or gate that controls the rate of water flow through a sluice
Synonyms:
floodgate; head gate; penstock; sluice valve; sluicegate; water gate
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Hypernyms ("floodgate" is a kind of...):
regulator (any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.)
Holonyms ("floodgate" is a part of...):
penstock; sluice; sluiceway (conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Something that restrains a flood or outpouring
Example:
suspension of surveillance opened the floodgates to illegal immigrants
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("floodgate" is a kind of...):
restraint (a rule or condition that limits freedom)
