Gutter vs. Rhone: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Gutter" typically refers to a trough along the edge of a roof to carry off rainwater, while "Rhone" is a Scottish term for the same.
Key Differences
"Gutter" is a word familiar to many as it denotes the channel typically situated along the edge of roofs designed for the drainage of rainwater. In contrast, "Rhone" serves a similar function but is chiefly used in Scottish contexts to represent the same structure.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Homeowners worldwide might be familiar with the term "gutter" when considering home maintenance or during rainy seasons when these channels play a pivotal role. Conversely, "Rhone" might ring a bell more with individuals in Scotland or those familiar with Scottish vernacular.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Cleaning a "gutter" is a common household chore, especially in places prone to heavy rain or foliage that might clog these passages. If you were in Scotland, you might hear the same activity referred to as cleaning the "Rhone."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
"Gutter" can also possess metaphorical meanings in different contexts, such as being in a "moral gutter" to indicate a low moral state. "Rhone," however, typically remains specific to its architectural context and doesn't share this metaphorical flexibility.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
From a linguistic point of view, while "gutter" finds its place in general English vocabulary, "Rhone" stands out as a regional term, showcasing the rich tapestry and variations within the English language.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Linguistic Flexibility
Can have metaphorical meanings
Typically specific to architecture
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
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Gutter and Rhone Definitions
Gutter
A groove or channel for flowing liquid. Example
The street's gutter was filled with rainwater.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Rhone
An architectural feature in Scottish buildings. Example
Traditional Scottish homes often have a prominent rhone.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Gutter
A channel at the edge of a street or road for carrying off surface water.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Rhone
A Scottish term for a gutter or channel on a roof. Example
The rhone was blocked with moss and needed cleaning.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Gutter
A trough fixed under or along the eaves for draining rainwater from a roof. Also called regionally eaves trough, rainspout, spouting.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
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Rhone
A trough for directing rainwater away from a building. Example
The rainwater flowed swiftly through the rhone.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Rhone
A regional term in Scotland for what is commonly called a gutter. Example
While discussing home repairs, he mentioned the rhone needed replacement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Gutter
A trough or channel for carrying something off, such as that on either side of a bowling alley or that almost level with the water in some swimming pools.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Rhone
A drainage solution for roofs in Scotland. Example
With the frequent rains, having a sturdy rhone is essential.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Gutter
(Printing) The white space formed by the inner margins of two facing pages, as of a book.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Rhone
(Scotland) A horizontal section of guttering, collecting rainwater from a roof.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Rhone
A major French river; flows into the Mediterranean near Marseilles;
The valley of the Rhone is famous for its vineyards
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
To melt away through the side of the hollow formed by a burning wick. Used of a candle.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
A prepared channel in a surface, especially at the side of a road adjacent to a curb, intended for the drainage of water.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
A duct or channel beneath the eaves of a building to carry rain water; eavestrough.
The gutters must be cleared of leaves a few times a year.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
(bowling) A groove down the sides of a bowling lane.
You can decide to use the bumpers to avoid the ball going down the gutter every time.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
A large groove (commonly behind animals) in a barn used for the collection and removal of animal excrement.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
Any narrow channel or groove, such as one formed by erosion in the vent of a gun from repeated firing.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
(printing) One of a number of pieces of wood or metal, grooved in the centre, used to separate the pages of type in a form.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
The notional locus of things, acts, or events which are distasteful, ill bred or morally questionable.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
(figuratively) A low, vulgar state.
Get your mind out of the gutter.
What kind of gutter language is that? I ought to wash your mouth out with soap.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
(of a candle) To melt away by having the molten wax run down along the side of the candle.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
(transitive) To send (a bowling ball) into the gutter, not hitting any pins.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
(transitive) To cut or form into small longitudinal hollows; to channel.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
A channel at the eaves of a roof for conveying away the rain; an eaves channel; an eaves trough.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
A small channel at the roadside or elsewhere, to lead off surface water.
Gutters running with ale.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
Any narrow channel or groove; as, a gutter formed by erosion in the vent of a gun from repeated firing.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
Either of two sunken channels at either side of the bowling alley, leading directly to the sunken pit behind the pins. Balls not thrown accurately at the pins will drop into such a channel bypassing the pins, and resulting in a score of zero for that bowl.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
A channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
Misfortune resulting in lost effort or money;
His career was in the gutter
All that work went down the sewer
Pensions are in the toilet
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
Burn unsteadily, feebly, or low; flicker;
The cooling lava continued to gutter toward lower ground
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023
Gutter
A channel on the edge of a roof for carrying away rainwater. Example
The leaves clogged the gutter, causing an overflow.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Gutter
The sunken space or lane between bowling alleys. Example
He bowled the ball straight into the gutter.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Gutter
A degraded or low state. Example
After losing his job, he felt like he was in the gutter.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Gutter
The space between printed columns on a page. Example
The book's gutter was too narrow, making it hard to read near the binding.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
FAQs
What is a gutter used for?
A gutter is used to carry away rainwater from the edge of a roof.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Why is it important to clean gutters or rhones?
Cleaning prevents blockages, ensuring efficient water flow and avoiding potential damage to the building.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can the word "gutter" have metaphorical meanings?
Yes, "gutter" can imply a low or degraded state, as in "moral gutter."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
What materials are gutters typically made of?
Gutters can be made of various materials, including aluminum, steel, copper, and PVC.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Is "rhone" used outside of Scotland?
While "rhone" is a Scottish term, it might be understood elsewhere but is not commonly used outside Scotland.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Can a book have a gutter?
Yes, in print, the "gutter" refers to the space between printed columns or between facing pages of a book.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
How is a rhone different from a gutter?
A rhone serves the same function as a gutter but is a term predominantly used in Scotland.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
How often should a rhone be cleaned?
It depends on the surrounding environment, but typically at least twice a year – before spring and before winter.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Why is the term "rhone" specific to Scotland?
"Rhone" is part of the Scottish vernacular and showcases regional linguistic variations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Do all homes need gutters or rhones?
While most homes benefit from them, especially in rainy areas, some architectural styles might not include them.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
