stove-pipe

The old stove-pipe carries smoke up from the wood stove.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A metal pipe for carrying smoke from a stove to a chimney: "stove-pipe" refers to a cylindrical duct, typically made of metal, that connects a stove to a chimney flue to vent smoke and gases outside.
   • A tall, narrow hat: Historically, "stove-pipe" also denotes a type of tall, cylindrical hat (often called a "stovepipe hat") popular in the 19th century, resembling the shape of a stove pipe.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The repairman replaced the rusted stove-pipe to ensure proper ventilation for the wood-burning stove. (A metal pipe used for smoke exhaust.)
  • Abraham Lincoln was often depicted wearing a distinctive stove-pipe hat. (A tall, cylindrical hat.)

Advanced Usage

• "Stove-pipe" as a modifier: Used to describe something that is narrow, straight, and tubular in shape.

  • The building's stove-pipe design made it look like a vertical cylinder. (Resembling the shape of a stove pipe.)

• "Stove-pipe" in technical contexts: In engineering, a "stove-pipe" may refer to a simple, straight duct system without bends.

  • The stove-pipe installation required a direct vertical run to the chimney. (A straight metal pipe.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stovepipe (n): a single-word variant commonly used in modern English.

  • He cleaned the stovepipe to prevent a blockage. (The pipe attached to a stove.)

• Stovepipe hat (n): a specific type of hat.

  • The magician wore a black stovepipe hat during his act. (A tall, cylindrical hat.)

Synonyms

• Flue pipe: a pipe for carrying smoke (more general).
• Smoke pipe: a pipe used specifically for smoke.
• Chimney pipe: a pipe leading to a chimney.

Related Idioms

• "To have a stovepipe mind": an informal expression meaning to have a narrow, rigid way of thinking.
  • His stovepipe mind couldn't accept new ideas. (He was inflexible and limited in perspective.)