sump

Meanings

Noun

• 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.
• The crankcase or oil reservoir of an internal combustion engine.
• The pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system (FM 55-501).
• An intentional depression around a drain or scupper that promotes drainage.

Verb

• Of a cave passage, to end in a sump, or to fill completely with water on occasion.

Origin

• From Middle English sompe, either from Middle Dutch somp, sump or Middle Low German sump, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *sumpaz. See swamp.