hydrant

UK: ˈhaɪdrənt | US: ˈhaɪdrənt

Definition
  1. n. a pipe connected to a water main, typically fitted with a valve and spout for drawing water (e.g., for firefighting).

Structure
hydr <water>ant <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "hydrant" originates from the Greek root hydr- (ὕδωρ, meaning "water"), combined with the suffix -ant, which denotes an agent or object performing a function. The term emerged in the early 19th century to describe a device for accessing water, particularly for firefighting. The logic is straightforward: a "hydrant" is literally a "water-dispenser." The suffix -ant (from Latin -ans) was commonly used in scientific and technical terms to form nouns indicating instruments or tools.

Examples
  1. The firefighters quickly connected their hose to the nearest hydrant.

  2. During the summer, children often play with water from the street hydrant.

  3. The city installed new hydrants to improve fire safety in older neighborhoods.

  4. A damaged hydrant caused water to flood the intersection.

  5. The maintenance crew inspected all hydrants for leaks before winter.