duct
UK: dʌkt | US: dʌkt
n. a channel or tube for conveying something (e.g., air, liquid, cables)
n. (anatomy) a bodily passage or tube (e.g., tear duct)
vt. to convey or channel through a duct
The word duct traces back to Latin ductus ("a leading, conduit"), the past participle of ducere. It entered English in the 17th century via scientific and anatomical usage, reflecting its core idea of "guiding" fluids or structures. The morpheme duc- appears in many English words (e.g., produce, reduce), consistently tied to the concept of direction or control.
The HVAC system uses a network of ducts to distribute air.
A blocked tear duct can cause eye irritation.
Engineers ducted the cables through the wall for safety.
The gland secretes hormones into the duct.
Duct tape is often used for temporary repairs.