sump

IPA/sʌmp/
KK[sˈʌmp]IPA/sʌmp/

sump — noun

  • sumpsingular
  • sumpsplural

1. the shallow container at the bottom of an engine where oil gathers before it is

1.名詞C1
釋義

the shallow container at the bottom of an engine where oil gathers before it is checked or drained.

例句

When the warning light flashed, Caleb checked whether oil was leaking from the sump.

oil leak from the sump

The mechanic removed the sump to clear the metal bits from the old engine oil.

remove the sump

同義詞
  • oil pan

    common automotive term, especially in American English

  • reservoir

    broader word for any liquid-holding container, not specifically the engine bottom section

文法句型

oil leak from the sump

remove the sump

cracked sump

用法筆記

Mostly used for cars and other engines. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense names the oil-holding part inside a machine, not a pit where dirty water gathers.

常見錯誤

❌The engine oil stays in the tank under the motor.
✅The engine oil sits in the sump under the engine.
💡Sump names the shallow bottom oil container, not just any tank.

2. a pit or low container where waste water or other unwanted liquid gathers so it

2.名詞C1
釋義

a pit or low container where waste water or other unwanted liquid gathers so it can be pumped or drained away.

例句

During the storm, muddy water rushed into the sump behind the farm shed.

water runs into the sump

Obi cleaned the sump so the workshop floor would not flood again.

clean the sump

同義詞
  • pit

    general word that does not always imply drainage

  • cesspit

    more specific to sewage and usually dirtier or larger

文法句型

water runs into the sump

clean the sump

sump under the basement

用法筆記

Often used for basements, drainage systems, and other low places where unwanted liquid collects. Unlike sense 1, it is not a part of an engine.

常見錯誤

❌Rainwater gathered on the sump.
✅Rainwater gathered in the sump.
💡The liquid collects inside the pit or container, not on its surface.