1. a large pipe or conduit that carries water to a hydroelectric turbine or waterwheel
Usage: engineering
2. a sluice or floodgate used to control the flow of water
Usage: engineering

Examples

• The penstock carried water from the reservoir to the power plant turbines.
• Engineers inspected the massive penstock for signs of wear and corrosion.
• The dam’s penstock was opened to release excess water downstream.
• A burst penstock could flood the entire valley below the hydroelectric facility.
• The penstock’s diameter was carefully calculated to maximize water flow efficiency.
• Workers closed the penstock to stop the flow of water for maintenance.