ditch
Quick Summary
A ditch is a long, narrow channel dug into the earth. It can be used for various purposes, such as drainage or irrigation. In land reclamation, ditches are essential for removing excess water from swampy areas, allowing the land to be used for agriculture or other purposes. These channels can be open or underground, like tile lines, and their size and design depend on the amount of water to be carried and the land's topography. In some contexts, "ditchwater" refers to stagnant, foul water found in a ditch, or metaphorically, to something dull and lifeless. The word "ditch" can also be used as a verb, meaning to end a relationship or to discard something unwanted.123
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