Weir (English spelling)

Japanese: せき(堰) - せき（英語表記）weir

A general term for structures that cross open waterways such as rivers, and that raise flowing water and allow it to overflow. Therefore, there is no clear distinction between weirs and dams. However, structures over 15 meters high and those intended to deposit sediment (sabo dams) are called dams, while all other structures are generally called weirs. Weirs are used to take in water for irrigation, maintain water levels and depths for navigation, regulate the flow of water at river tributaries, and prevent saltwater intrusion and storm surge protection at river mouths. Depending on their purpose, they are classified as intake weirs, diversion weirs, tide-blocking weirs, and tidal barrier weirs.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

河川などの開水路を横断して設けられ，流水をせき上げて，その上を越流させる工作物の総称。したがって，せきとダムには明確な区分はない。しかし，高さが15m以上のものや，土砂を堆積させる目的のもの(砂防ダム)はダムと称し，それ以外のものを一般にせきと呼んでいる。せきの目的には，用水の取水，舟運のための水位･水深の確保，河川の分派点における流量調節，河口部における塩水遡上（そじよう）の防止･高潮防御などがあり，その目的に応じて取水ぜき，分水ぜき，潮止めぜき，防潮ぜきなどに区分される。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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