🛑 A stopper 🔥 Stops sparks ⚡ Stops surges

arrestor

1 7.4

A screen that stops sparks from chimneys or exhausts to prevent fires

noun
/əˈrɛstər/

Specialized

: filtro de chispas

The mechanic installed an arrestor on the exhaust pipe to prevent wildfires.

Examples

Every fireplace in the cabin was fitted with an arrestor for safety.
The firefighter explained how the spark arrestor helps prevent fires by blocking burning embers from escaping the chimney.
Before lighting the stove, she checked that the arrestor was clean and working properly.
The engineer installed a new arrestor on the chimney.
Many factories use spark arrestors to prevent fires.
After the inspection, he replaced the old spark arrestor to ensure the engine would run safely without risking a fire.
To comply with safety regulations, the diesel engine must be fitted with a spark arrestor to minimize the risk of sparks igniting nearby vegetation.

Synonyms

arrester

vsarrestor

Specialized

1 6.5

A device that stops movement or limits flow in machines and electrical systems

is specific to stopping sparks that could cause fires rather than general flow control

spark arrester

vsarrestor

Specialized

1 7.2

A metal mesh fitted on a chimney that stops sparks escaping and reduces fire risk

is used more widely including engines and exhausts as well as chimneys

sparker

vsarrestor

Archaic

9.6

A wire mesh that stops small burning pieces from leaving a fireplace or chimney

is broader and attaches to engines and exhausts to stop burning particles

Surface Forms

arrestor singular

arrestors plural

Morphology

arrestor = arrest (transparent) = arrest + or

Agentive/device formation from 'arrest' + '-or'; meaning 'device that stops sparks' is a direct specialization of 'to arrest'.

Etymology

Arrestor: The word arrestor has the root arrest, meaning 'to stop', and the ending -or means 'something that does'. So a spark arrestor is a device that 'stops' sparks or burning bits from leaving engines, chimneys, or pipes and starting fires.