A barrage is a type of low-head, diversion dam that consists of a number of large gates that can be opened or closed to control the amount of water passing through it). This allows the structure to regulate and stabilize river water elevation, divert water for irrigation needs, or limit the amount of water downstream). Unlike a dam, which creates a deep reservoir of water that can be stored and used at a later date, a barrage is full of gates that are opened and closed to directly control the amount of water that passes through it. Having a barrage instead of a dam means that the flow of water can be kept stable for its intended purpose, such as irrigation to nearby cities, towns, or farmlands. The term "barrage" originates from the Delta Barrage across the Nile branches north of Cairo, built between 1833 and 1862 by the French Linant de Bellefonds and Eugène Mougel employed by the Egyptian Public Works Department, with assistance from Barthélemy Prosper Enfantin and with the blessing of the Egyptian Viceroy of the Ottoman Empire, Muhammad Ali).
In addition to its use in water management, "barrage" can also refer to a vigorous or rapid outpouring or projection of many things at once, such as a barrage of phone calls or insults. In military contexts, "barrage" can refer to artillery fire laid on a line close to friendly troops to screen and protect them.
