Hypertext Webster Gateway: "chute"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Shoot \Shoot\, n. [F. chute. See {Chute}. Confused with shoot to
let fly.]
An inclined plane, either artificial or natural, down which
timber, coal, etc., are caused to slide; also, a narrow
passage, either natural or artificial, in a stream, where the
water rushes rapidly; esp., a channel, having a swift
current, connecting the ends of a bend in the stream, so as
to shorten the course. [Written also {chute}, and {shute}.]
[U. S.]
{To take a shoot}, to pass through a shoot instead of the
main channel; to take the most direct course. [U.S.]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Chute \Chute\, n. [F. chute, prop. a fall.]
1. A framework, trough, or tube, upon or through which
objects are made to slide from a higher to a lower level,
or through which water passes to a wheel.
2. See {Shoot}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
chute
n 1: rescue equipment consisting of a device that fills with air
and retards your fall [syn: {parachute}]
2: sloping channel through which things can descend [syn: {slide},
{slideway}, {sloping trough}]
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