Definition of CONDUITS (original) (raw)
1
: a natural or artificial channel through which something (such as a fluid) is conveyed
2
: a pipe, tube, or tile for protecting electric wires or cables
3
: a means of transmitting or distributing
a conduit for illicit payments
Synonyms
Examples of conduit in a Sentence
the major conduit for carrying water to the military base water flowed along the conduit to the fountain
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Film has always been a conduit for comfort and renewal, and film festivals play a vital role in fostering a sense of connection. —
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025 Quaid is an ideal conduit for Hancock's constantly surprising tale. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 22 Jan. 2025 Along the other side of the approach, Lauren conceived a rambling hedgerow thicket and conduit for wildlife anchored with birch cultivars and native wildflowers. —Sara James Mnookin, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025 Some simply involve the possible engagement opportunities for such a big news story, others as a coping mechanism to the loss of the platform, but one of the most interesting is how social media operates as an information conduit. —Callum Booth, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conduit 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English conduyt, condyt, cundyte "channel or pipe for conveying water, act of escorting for protection" borrowed from Anglo-French conduit, condet "channel for water, guide, escort party," (also continental Old French), noun derivative from conduit, past participle of conduire "to guide, escort," going back to Latin condūcere "to bring together, join, hire, accept a contract for" (Medieval Latin also "to lead, escort, provide a channel for [water]") — more at conduce
Note: The senses of the vernacular word conduit parallel those of Medieval Latin conductus, conductum_—see conduct entry 2. The verb conduct entry 1 and the nouns conduct entry 2 and conductor all had vernacular counterparts in Middle English and early Modern English—_conduiten, conduit and _conduytour_—taken from Anglo-French. Of these only conduit has survived in Modern English, and with the restricted sense "channel for water."
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of conduit was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near conduit
Cite this Entry
“Conduit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conduit. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 3 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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