Definition

A structure made of boards that extends above a dam to hold more water and increase its capacity.

Example

The engineers installed a flashboard to help manage the water levels behind the dam.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a flashboard at a dam?

Yeah, I think it helps to manage water levels, right?

Exactly! It increases the depth of water behind the dam.

That's pretty interesting — I didn’t know it had such an important role.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Flashboard is formed from "flash" (from Middle English *flaschen*, meaning to emit light suddenly) and "board" (from Old English *bord*, meaning a flat piece of material). The word "flashboard" refers to a flat surface that emits light suddenly, often used in the context of signaling or display.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'emits light suddenly' ('flash') on a 'flat surface' ('board') — that's what a flashboard does.

Visually Confused Words