Inlet \In"let\, n.

1. A passage by which an inclosed place may be entered; a place of ingress; entrance.

Doors and windows,inlets of men and of light. --Sir H. Wotton.

2. A bay or recess,as in the shore of a sea, lake, or large river; a narrow strip of water running into the land or between islands.

3. That which is let in or inland; an inserted material.

Note: Inlet is also usewd adjectively,as in inlet pipe, inlet valve, etc.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)