Sump

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ÊŒmp

Full definition of sump

Noun

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

Derived terms

• dry sump
• sump pump
• wet sump

Verb

1. (transitive) Of a cave passage, to end in a sump, or to fill completely with water on occasion.
• We discovered a new passage, but it sumped after 100 metres.
• This low passage sumps quickly after moderate rainfall.

Anagrams

• umps