FLUME
flume
(noun) watercourse that consists of an open artificial chute filled with water for power or for carrying logs
gulch, flume
(noun) a narrow gorge with a stream running through it
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
flume (plural flumes)
A ravine or gorge, usually one with water running through.
An open channel or trough used to direct or divert liquids.
Verb
flume (third-person singular simple present flumes, present participle fluming, simple past and past participle flumed)
(transitive) To transport (logs of wood) by floating them along a water-filled channel or trough.
Source: Wiktionary
Flume, n. Etym: [Cf. OE. flum river, OF, flum, fr. L. flumen, fr.
fluere to flow. *84. See Fluent.]
Definition: A stream; especially, a passage channel, or conduit for the
water that drives a mill wheel; or an artifical channel of water for
hydraulic or placer mining; also, a chute for conveying logs or
lumber down a declivity.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition