inlet

inlet Definition

in·let (in′let′, in let′; for n. in′let′, -lət)

transitive verb -·let′, -·let′·ting

to inlay or insert

Etymology: ME inletan: see in- & let

noun

1. a narrow strip of water extending into a body of land from a river, lake, ocean, etc.; small bay or creek
2. a narrow strip of water between islands
3. a stream, river, etc. that flows into a larger body of water, as a lake or pond
the act of letting something in
an entrance, opening, or passage
something inlaid or inserted

Etymology: ME inlate < the v.

inlet Synonyms

delta, gulf, channel; see bay 1.

inlet Usage Examples

Converse of object

choke: They found themselves in a chamber of large dimensions, with several choked inlets.

Preposition: on

Adjective modifier

fjord-like: Our route follows the coast along isolated golden beaches, fjord-like inlets and coastal hills thick with native rainforest.
tidal: Across the southern tidal inlet on the land now occupied by part of Monkton, was a larger earthwork.
sheltered: Attractive marina in sheltered inlet surrounded by tree covered cliffs.
rocky: The bays, sandy coves and rocky inlets provide some of the safest spots for bathing, sailing and windsurfing in Cornwall.
thoracic: Also work on the thoracic inlet to ease off the trapezius muscle.
shallow: There are also shallow inlets where whale sharks annually visit for breeding.

Modifies a noun

manifold: Secure the inlet manifold evenly do not over tighten.
valve: The air inlet valve is then fixed to the top of a vertical length of pipe from the Tee piece.
vane: In front of the first rotor stage are the inlet guide vanes.
duct: The forward section is built around the engine air inlet duct; the aft section is built around the engine.
tract: Fit the reed valve assembly into the inlet tract, taking care not to damage the petals.
sump: The water emerges from a low crawl over boulders to the left which can be followed for 60m to an inlet sump.

Noun used with modifier

compressor: The position of the T2 servo is established by the liquid-filled bellows which positions the servo directly proportional to the compressor inlet temperature.
turbine: Actually, the temperature at the turbine inlet is the important consideration.
pump: Other heart-rending events have involved children's long hair being caught in pool water pump inlets, which have also led to drowning.
air: The forward section is built around the engine air inlet duct; the aft section is built around the engine.
steam: The segment with the steam inlet can be seen in place already.
sea: Right across the country on the east coast the Moray Firth is a huge sea inlet where dolphins may be seen.

Browse dictionary entries near inlet