plumbing

plumbing
plumbing (n.) mid-15c., "the weighting of a fishing line," from prp. of PLUMB (Cf. plumb) (v.). Specific meaning "water and drainage pipes" is recorded by 1875, American English.
THE apparatus by which the water from a reservoir is carried about over a building and delivered at points convenient for use, is called by the general name of plumbing. The word "plumbing" means lead-work; and it is used to signify this water apparatus of a house because the pipes of which it largely consists are usually made of lead. [Edward Abbott, "Long Look House: A Book for Boys and Girls," Boston, 1877]
Slang meaning "a person's reproductive organs" attested from 1975.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Plumbing — Plumbing, from the Latin plumbum for lead, is the skilled trade of working with pipes, tubing and plumbing fixtures for drinking water systems and the drainage of waste. A plumber is someone who installs or repairs piping systems, plumbing… …   Wikipedia

  • plumbing — UK US /ˈplʌmɪŋ/ noun [U] ► a system that allows information, money, etc. to move easily from one place to another: »Efficient banks are an essential part of the financial plumbing of any developing country. »Cisco s products are largely invisible …   Financial and business terms

  • Plumbing — Plumb ing, n. 1. The art of casting and working in lead, and applying it to building purposes; especially, the business of furnishing, fitting, and repairing pipes for conducting water, sewage, etc. Gwilt. [1913 Webster] 2. The lead or iron pipes …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • plumbing — ► NOUN 1) the system of pipes, tanks, and fittings required for the water supply, heating, and sanitation in a building. 2) the work of installing and maintaining such a system …   English terms dictionary

  • plumbing — [plum′iŋ] n. 1. the work or trade of a plumber 2. the pipes and fixtures with which a plumber works …   English World dictionary

  • plumbing — /plum ing/, n. 1. the system of pipes and other apparatus for conveying water, liquid wastes, etc., as in a building. 2. the work or trade of a plumber. 3. act of a person who plumbs, as in ascertaining depth. [1660 70; PLUMB + ING1] * * * System …   Universalium

  • plumbing — noun ADJECTIVE ▪ domestic (BrE), household ▪ indoor VERB + PLUMBING ▪ put in ▪ They re going to have to put in new plumbing …   Collocations dictionary

  • plumbing — [[t]plʌ̱mɪŋ[/t]] 1) N UNCOUNT The plumbing in a building consists of the water and drainage pipes, baths, and toilets in it. The electrics and the plumbing were sound but everything else had to be cleaned up. 2) N UNCOUNT Plumbing is the work of… …   English dictionary

  • Plumbing — Plumb Plumb, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Plumbed} (pl[u^]md); p. pr. & vb. n. {Plumbing} (pl[u^]m [i^]ng).] 1. To adjust by a plumb line; to cause to be perpendicular; as, to plumb a building or a wall. [1913 Webster] 2. To sound with a plumb or plummet …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • plumbing —    1. a lavatory    Referring to the ancillary piping:     Unless you ve shifted the plumbing around here, I can find it. (M. McCarthy, 1963)    2. the parts of the body concerned with urination and defecation    A genteel and rather coy use,… …   How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms

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