mid-15c., "the weighting of a fishing line," verbal noun from plumb (v.). Specific meaning "water and drainage pipes" is recorded by 1875, American English.
THE apparatus by which the water from a reservoir is carried about over a building and delivered at points convenient for use, is called by the general name of plumbing. The word "plumbing" means lead-work; and it is used to signify this water apparatus of a house because the pipes of which it largely consists are usually made of lead. [Edward Abbott, "Long Look House: A Book for Boys and Girls," Boston, 1877]
Alternative plumbery also is mid-15c. Slang meaning "a person's reproductive organs" attested by 1975.
实用例句
1. They had ensured the plumbing was overhauled a year ago.
他们曾保证水管一年前彻底检修过。来自柯林斯例句
2. Plumbing and electrics are installed to a high standard.
管道设备和电路按照高标准安装。来自柯林斯例句
3. She learned the rudiments of brick-laying, wiring and plumbing.
她学习了砌砖、布线和管道工程的基本知识。来自柯林斯例句
4. The electrics and the plumbing were sound.
电路和水暖设备都完好无损。来自柯林斯例句
5. She spent her life plumbing the mysteries of the human psyche.
