outlet
/ˈaʊtlɛt
/noun
1A pipe or hole through which water or gas may escape.In the base of the gutter were outlets leading to drain pipes to take the water away....
- They ventured through the old rust belt of inner city Melbourne and along the merry creek until they came across the outlet of a storm water pipe.
- Large plastic pipes run from the outlet of the four blowers to airtight holes drilled in the platform.
Synonyms
vent, vent hole, way out, exit, egress;
outfall, opening, channel, trench, culvert, cut, conduit, ditch, mouth, valve, safety valve, blow-off;
blowhole;
orifice, pore, duct
1.1The mouth of a river.The Tekapo River is the outlet of Lake Tekapo, not far from Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki....
- The eel is to be found in 99% of British waters, though the quantity will depend on factors such as inlets and outlets to rivers and streams.
- This water flows back into the lake down an artificial weir and man-made stream to re-enter the lake at three outlets along the island bank.
1.2An output socket in an electrical device.The rechargeable battery may be charged by a battery charger that is connected to the solar cell and can be optionally connected to an electrical outlet by a charging cord....
- The vapor barrier should fit tightly around electrical outlets, doors, windows and other openings.
- Air can leak in or out of the home from door and window frames, electrical outlets and exhaust vents, to name just a few of the culprits.
2A point from which goods are sold or distributed: a fast-food outlet...
- This is where the young hang out, in coffee shops, fast-food outlets, shopping malls and on the street itself.
- If fast food outlets sold tuna salads and sticks of celery there wouldn't be half the problem.
- Not all shops in outlets malls are outlets and sell items cheaper then normal.
2.1A market for goods: the state system provided an outlet for farm produce...
- Plastics are a problem because there are few outlets and the market isn't great.
- They often produce in limited quantities, so traditional wholesale market outlets are not a viable option.
- If one recalls, the village markets provided the outlet for local produce and products.
Synonyms
market, retail outlet, marketplace, selling place, shop, store
2.2A shop that sells goods made by a particular manufacturer at discounted prices: a designer outlet [as modifier]: an outlet store...
- Plans are also underway to open 20 outlet stores in strategic locations across the United States which are expected to dramatically improve market share.
- One can see the stretch dotted with factory outlets of almost all the leading brands.
3A means of expressing one’s talents, energy, or emotions: writing became the main outlet for his energies...
- In the true sense of its name, it will be a team committed to bringing people together, a shelter for talent, and an outlet to channel creative energy.
- The country has found an outlet for its energies, and given time and talent to nurture, it is certain one day to stand proud among the established nations.
- Try to find your own creative ways as outlets for emotions.
Synonyms
means of expression, release, means of release, release mechanism, safety valve, vent, avenue, way of harnessing, channel
Origin
Middle English: from out- + the verb let1.