floodgate

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English flodegate, flodgate, flodeyate, floodȝate, flodȝete, equivalent to flood +‎ gate. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈflʌdˌɡeɪt/, /ˈflʌdɡeɪt/ === Noun === floodgate (plural floodgates) An adjustable gate or valve used to control the flow of water through a sluice. (figuratively, extension) Anything that controls or limits an outpouring of people, emotion, etc. (obsolete) A stream that passes through a floodgate; a torrent. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== === Further reading === floodgate on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Category:Floodgates on Wikimedia Commons.Wikimedia Commons