1. a reservoir or basin that collects water before it enters a canal, pipe, or turbine in a hydroelectric or water-management system
Usage: technical; engineering
2. the forward part of a ship's hold or the space in front of the main cargo area
Usage: nautical; archaic

Examples

• The forebay at the dam stores water before it flows through the turbines.
• Engineers designed the forebay to remove sediment from the incoming water.
• The hydroelectric plant's forebay maintains a steady water level for power generation.
• Water collected in the forebay is gradually released into the canal system.
• The forebay acts as a buffer between the natural river flow and the controlled intake.