Definition

1. Noun:
   • A discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from the mains of a waterworks system: A hydrant is a fixture, typically found in streets or public areas, connected to a public water supply. It has a valve to control the flow and a spout or outlet to which hoses can be attached.
   • A faucet for drawing water from a pipe or cask: In a broader, often industrial context, a hydrant can refer to any outlet, including on ships or barrels, from which water or other liquids can be drawn.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The firefighters quickly connected their hose to the fire hydrant.
  • The city is installing new hydrants to improve water access for emergencies.
  • The ship's deck hydrant is used for washing down the equipment.

Advanced Usage

• "To flush a hydrant": To open a hydrant to allow water to flow out, typically to test water pressure, clear sediment from the pipes, or for use in firefighting drills.
  • The public works department will flush the hydrants on Main Street next Tuesday.

Variants and Related Words

• Fire hydrant (n): The most common type of hydrant, specifically designed and painted for use by firefighters. (Note: This is a compound term listed separately as per instruction).
• Hydrant wrench (n): A special tool used to open and close the valve on a hydrant.

Synonyms

• Water plug (archaic, regional)
• Fireplug (informal, especially in American English)

Related Phrases

• "Dry hydrant": A pipe system for drafting water from a static source like a pond or lake, used in rural firefighting where a pressurized water main is not available.
  • The volunteer fire department relies on the dry hydrant at the pond.

Related Idioms

(This word is highly technical and does not commonly feature in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. a discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from the mains of waterworks
2. a faucet for drawing water from a pipe or cask