sump

CEFRC1

/sʌmp/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A low space where liquid collects.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    A completely flooded cave passage, sometimes passable by diving.

Examples

  • The sump was full of water and the basement started to flood.

  • We discovered a new passage, but it sumped after 100 metres.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. The lowest part of a mineshaft into which water drains.

  2. A hollow or pit into which liquid drains, such as a cesspool, cesspit or sink.

  3. The crankcase or oil reservoir of an internal combustion engine.

More examples

In context

  • This low passage sumps quickly after moderate rainfall.

  • "Me and the lads did it this morn." "It was pouring!" Brody said. "If I was tae stop an activity because of a sump o' rain, I'd never get anythin' done," Finn remarked with a twinkle in his eye.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The mechanic drained the old oil from the engine's blank during the repair.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Middle English sompe, either from Middle Dutch somp, sump or Middle Low German sump from Old Saxon *sump, from Proto-West Germanic *sump, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *sumpaz. Doublet of swamp.