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sewer

UK[ˈsuːə(r)]US[ˈsuːər]
n

An underground pipe or passage that carries away waste water and sewage from buildings and streets.

n

A medieval servant who supervised the serving of meals at a royal or noble household.

Etymology

The modern word 'sewer' has a dual history. The more common term for a waste conduit entered English in the 15th century from Anglo-French 'sewere', meaning a 'water-course' or 'drain', which itself derived from Old French 'sewiere', meaning 'channel to drain a fishpond'. This traces back to the Vulgar Latin 'exaquaria', from Latin 'ex-' (out) and 'aqua' (water), literally 'a channel for draining out water'. The unrelated, archaic term for a household officer comes from Anglo-French 'asseour', one who sets the table, from Old French 'asseoir', to seat. The convergence of these distinct words into the identical modern spelling is a historical coincidence.

Analysis

The word 'sewer' is a simplex word derived from a single root via Anglo-French. It is not productively formed from multiple modern English morphemes.

Examples

The city is investing millions to upgrade its aging sewer system.

A blockage in the main sewer caused flooding in the neighborhood.

In historical dramas, the sewer might be seen directing the placement of dishes at a feast.

sewer – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology