An annicut is a type of dam or weir that is used to regulate the flow of water in a river or canal. It is a structure that is designed to divert water from one place to another, and is often used for irrigation or hydroelectric power generation. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of annicut, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
An annicut is a small dam or weir that is constructed across a river or canal to divert water for irrigation or other purposes. It is typically made of stone or concrete, and is designed to regulate the flow of water by creating a barrier that causes the water to flow over the top of the structure. An annicut can be used to create a reservoir or pond, which can then be used for fishing or recreation.
Origin
The word annicut comes from the Tamil language, which is spoken in southern India. The Tamil word for annicut is “anai-kattu”, which means “dam across a river”. The concept of annicuts has been used in India for thousands of years, and is an important part of the country’s agricultural and economic infrastructure.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of annicut can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. In the Oxford English Dictionary, annicut is defined as “a small dam or weir across a river or canal, used for irrigation or other purposes”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines annicut as “a dam or weir across a river or canal for diverting water for irrigation or other purposes”.
Associations
An annicut is often associated with agriculture and irrigation, as it is used to divert water to crops and fields. It is also associated with hydroelectric power generation, as it can be used to create a reservoir that can then be used to generate electricity. An annicut can also be associated with fishing and recreation, as it can create a pond or lake that can be used for these purposes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for annicut include dam, weir, diversion, and embankment. These words all refer to structures that are used to regulate the flow of water in a river or canal.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for annicut, as it is a specific type of structure that is used for a specific purpose. However, some words that are opposite in meaning to annicut include flood, deluge, and inundation.
The same root words
There are no other words that share the same root as annicut, as it is a Tamil word that has been adopted into English.
Example Sentences
- The farmers built an annicut to divert water from the river to their fields.
- The hydroelectric plant was built downstream from the annicut to take advantage of the water flow.
- The fisherman caught a large bass in the pond created by the annicut.
- The government is planning to build a new annicut to improve irrigation in the region.
- The old annicut was damaged in the flood and had to be rebuilt.