noun
Only when written 導管
General term for a tube or channel that carries fluids, gases, or cables. Often used in engineering and construction contexts.
この導管はガスを各家庭に送っている。
This conduit carries gas to each household.
工場では様々な導管が使われ
Various pipes are used in the factory.
noun
Only when written 道管
Botanical term for the water-conducting cells in plants, specifically xylem vessels. Use 道管 for this sense.
植物の茎には道管と師管がある。
In plant stems, there are xylem vessels and phloem.
導管 is composed of 導 (guide, conduct) and 管 (pipe, tube). 道管 uses 道 (path, way) for the botanical sense. Both are Sino-Japanese compounds.