sump

English

/sʌmp/

noun
Definitions
  • A hollow or pit into which liquid drains, such as a cesspool, cesspit or sink.
  • The lowest part of a mineshaft into which water drains.
  • A completely flooded cave passage, sometimes passable by diving.
  • (automotive) The crankcase or oil reservoir of an internal combustion engine.
  • (nautical) The pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system (FM 55-501).
  • (construction) An intentional depression around a drain or scupper that promotes drainage.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English sompe (morass, marsh) derived from Middle Dutch somp derived from Middle Low German sump (marsh, swamp) derived from Proto-Germanic *sumpaz.

Origin

Proto-Germanic

*sumpaz

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms