drainpipe
Meaning
a pipe that carries rainwater from the roof of a building to the ground or to a drain.
a pipe that carries waste water or other liquids away from a building or piece of equipment.
Structure
Usage
the old house had a rusted drainpipe running down the corner of the wall.
during the storm, the drainpipe overflowed, causing water to pool at the foundation.
he installed a new plastic drainpipe to replace the cracked one.
Etymology
the word 'drainpipe' is a transparent compound formed from two old english and latin-derived roots. 'drain' originates from the old english verb drēahnian, meaning to strain or draw off liquid, which itself is related to the concept of making dry. 'pipe' comes via old english from the latin pīpa, meaning a tube. the compound logically describes the object's function: a tube specifically for drawing off or carrying away water. this straightforward combination reflects the practical naming conventions common in english for utilitarian objects.
Analysis
drain (from old english drēahnian, meaning to strain, filter, or draw off liquid; functional role: verb root indicating the action). pipe (from latin pīpa, meaning a tube or pipe; functional role: noun root indicating the object).