hydrant

An outlet from a liquid/fluid main often consisting of an upright pipe with a valve attached from which fluid (e.g. water or fuel) can be tapped.

Noun

  1. An outlet from a liquid/fluid main often consisting of an upright pipe with a valve attached from which fluid (e.g. water or fuel) can be tapped.
    • A horde of dirty children play about the dripping hydrant, the only thing in the alley that thinks enough of its chance to make the most of it: it is the best it can do. - 1890, Jacob A[ugust] Riis, “The Down Town...

Origin

An irregular formation: hydr- + -ant, originally US English. By surface analysis, hydrate + -ant.

Forms

hydrants

Derived

dehydrant dry hydrant fire hydrant