runnel
/'rʌnl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A small stream or brook: A narrow, shallow channel of running water, often natural. 2. A small channel or gutter for water: A man-made or natural groove that guides the flow of water.
Examples of Usage
- After the heavy rain, a runnel formed along the edge of the path, carrying water down the hillside.
- The gardener dug a shallow runnel to direct irrigation water to the new plants.
- They followed the tiny runnel through the woods, hoping it would lead to a larger stream.
Advanced Usage
- Poetic/Literary Use: The word is often used in literary or descriptive contexts to evoke imagery of small, gentle watercourses, as opposed to technical terms like "channel" or "drain."
- The only sound was the quiet trickle of a runnel over the mossy stones.
Variants and Related Words
- Rill: A very small brook or stream; often used interchangeably with but can imply an even smaller flow.
- Rivulet: A very small stream; similar to but may sound slightly more formal or poetic.
- Brook: A small stream. This is a more common synonym.
- Streamlet: Another term for a small stream.
Synonyms
- Brook
- Streamlet
- Rivulet
- Rill
- Creek (in some contexts, though "creek" can be larger)
Related Phrases
- To run in runnels: Describing liquid flowing in small, distinct streams.
- The melting ice caused water to run in runnels down the windowpane.