rænna

Ränna is a Swedish word that can refer to several related concepts, primarily concerning the flow or channeling of liquids or granular materials. In its most common usage, ränna refers to a gutter or channel, especially one designed to collect and direct rainwater. These are often found along the eaves of buildings, on roofs, or as part of a drainage system to prevent water from damaging structures or causing erosion. The term can also describe a more general channel or furrow in the ground, used for irrigation or to guide water flow.

Beyond its literal meaning of a channel, ränna can also be used metaphorically. It can describe a stream or flow of something, such as a ränna of molten metal from a furnace or a ränna of sand down a slope. In a figurative sense, it can imply a continuous, often rapid, movement or pouring out of something. For instance, one might speak of a ränna av ord, meaning a torrent of words. The context in which ränna is used is crucial for understanding its specific meaning. It emphasizes the function of guiding or conveying a substance from one place to another.