aboiteaus
/ˈæbəˌtoʊz/
noun
- A sluice or gate in a dike that allows water to flow out but prevents tidal water from flowing in, used in drainage systems.
- The farmers relied on the aboiteaus to drain the marshland after heavy rains.
- Engineers inspected the old aboiteaus to ensure they still functioned properly.
- During the storm, the aboiteaus kept the seawater from flooding the fields.