sump

  1. Noun.  A hollow or pit into which liquid drains, such as a cesspool, cesspit or sink.
  2. Noun.  The lowest part of a mine shaft into which water drains.
  3. Noun.  A completely flooded cave passage, sometimes passable by diving.
  4. Noun.  (automotive) The crankcase or oil reservoir of an internal combustion engine.
  5. Noun.  (nautical) The pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system (FM 55-501).
  6. Noun.  (construction) An intentional depression around a drain or scupper that promotes drainage.
  7. Verb.  (transitive) Of a cave passage, to end in a sump, or to fill completely with water on occasion.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.