Definition of duct

The word "duct" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "ductus" means "conducted" or "led," and it is derived from the verb "duco," which means "to lead" or "to bring." In the 14th century, the Latin word "ductus" was borrowed into Middle English as "duct," initially referring to a way or direction of movement. In the 17th century, the meaning of "duct" expanded to include a tube or passageway through which something flows, such as an air duct in a building or a duct in a heat pump. Today, the word "duct" is widely used in various fields, including engineering, architecture, and medicine, to refer to a variety of pipes, channels, or passageways that convey fluids, gases, or other substances. Overall, the word "duct" has evolved from its Latin origins to encompass a range of meanings related to movement, direction, and flow.