1. large pipes or conduits that carry water from a reservoir to a hydroelectric turbine or waterwheel
Usage: engineering; hydroelectric power
2. sluice gates or valves used to control the flow of water
Usage: water management

Examples

• The dam’s penstocks channel water down to the power plant below.
• Engineers inspected the massive penstocks for signs of wear.
• Water rushed through the penstocks at tremendous pressure.
• The hydroelectric facility has four large penstocks feeding the turbines.
• Workers closed the penstocks to stop the water flow for maintenance.
• The penstocks were designed to handle millions of gallons per hour.