1. a system or network of pipes, especially those used to carry water, gas, or other fluids in a building or industrial facility
Usage: usually plural or used as a mass noun; commonly used in construction and plumbing contexts
2. the internal mechanical or structural components of a system or organization, especially those not visible to the public
Usage: figurative use; often used in phrases like 'the pipeworks of government'

Examples

• The old building's pipeworks needed to be completely replaced due to corrosion.
• Water flows through the pipeworks beneath the city streets.
• The plumber inspected the pipeworks to locate the leak.
• Understanding the pipeworks of the economy requires studying financial systems.
• The factory's pipeworks transported chemicals safely from one section to another.
• Frozen pipeworks caused problems for homeowners during the harsh winter.