noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
free-flowing; non-cyclic
Describes a system where water (especially in hot springs or irrigation) flows continuously without recirculation. Often used attributively with の, as in 掛け流しの温泉.
See also: 循環風呂
この旅館は源泉掛け流しの温泉が自慢です。
This inn prides itself on its free-flowing hot spring water directly from the source.
掛け流しの水路で田
They draw water into the rice paddies through a free-flowing channel.
循環風呂 is a recirculating bath, while 掛け流し refers to a non-recirculating, free-flowing system.
Compound of 掛け (kake, continuative form of 掛ける 'to pour') + 流し (nagashi, continuative form of 流す 'to flow'). Literally 'pour and let flow', referring to a continuous flow of water.