Dam meaning

A dam is a barrier constructed to hold back water and create a reservoir.


Dam definitions

Word backwards mad
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division dam (1 syllable)
Plural The plural form of the word "dam" is "dams."
Total letters 3
Vogais (1) a
Consonants (2) d,m

Dam: A Vital Structure for Water Management

Dams are essential structures built across rivers to regulate water flow, provide water for various purposes, and generate hydroelectric power. These barriers work by controlling the flow of water and creating reservoirs to store water for later use. Dams play a crucial role in water resource management, irrigation, flood control, and renewable energy production.

The Function of Dams in Water Management

Dams serve multiple functions, including storing water during periods of excess flow, releasing water during dry seasons for irrigation, providing flood control, and generating electricity through hydroelectric power. The stored water can also be used for domestic and industrial purposes, ensuring a stable water supply throughout the year.

Environmental Impact and Concerns

While dams offer numerous benefits, they also have environmental impacts that need to be carefully managed. Ecological disruptions, such as changes in water temperature, flow, and sediment transport, can affect aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. There are also concerns about the displacement of communities living near dam sites and the alteration of natural river flow patterns.

Types of Dams

Dams come in various types, including arch dams, gravity dams, embankment dams, and buttress dams, each designed to serve different purposes and withstand specific water pressures. The choice of dam type depends on factors like the topography of the site, the volume of water to be stored, and the geological conditions of the area.

Benefits of Dams

Dams offer a range of benefits, including water supply for agriculture, industry, and households, flood control to protect downstream areas, renewable energy generation through hydroelectric power, recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing in reservoirs, and improved navigation along rivers due to the regulation of water flow.

The Future of Dam Construction

As the demand for water resources and clean energy continues to grow, the construction of dams is likely to increase worldwide. However, the environmental impacts of dams must be carefully assessed, and sustainable practices should be implemented to minimize any adverse effects on the ecosystem. Adaptive management strategies can help optimize the benefits of dams while mitigating potential risks.


Dam Examples

  1. The dam was built to control flooding in the area.
  2. The beavers constructed a dam across the river.
  3. The environmentalists protested against the construction of the dam.
  4. The reservoir behind the dam provides water for irrigation.
  5. The overflowing river breached the dam's structure.
  6. The historic dam is a popular tourist attraction in the region.
  7. The engineers inspected the dam for any signs of damage.
  8. The dam helped generate hydroelectric power for the city.
  9. The water was released from the dam to maintain the river's flow.
  10. The fishing industry was affected by the construction of the dam.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 15/06/2024 - 18:04:51