1. a channel that carries water away from a waterwheel, turbine, or dam
Usage: engineering; hydroelectric

Examples

• The tailrace carried the water downstream after it passed through the turbine.
• Engineers designed a concrete tailrace to prevent erosion below the dam.
• Fish ladders were installed in both the headrace and tailrace of the hydroelectric plant.
• The old mill’s tailrace still channels water away from the abandoned waterwheel.
• Sediment had accumulated in the tailrace, reducing the efficiency of water flow.
• The tailrace connects the powerhouse to the river below the dam.