💧 A moistening tool 😕 A mood killer

dampener

1 6.1

A small device used to make something slightly wet or to reduce vibration

noun
/ˈdæmpənər/

: humectador

In the mid-1910s, one governmental investigation reported that there were three types of dampeners applied in ironing work.
inertial dampeners

Examples

Before ironing, she used a dampener to moisten the fabric for better results.
The pump is self-priming and features a built-in pulsation dampener.

Academic text (2001)
I replaced the steering dampener and never had a problem again.

Blog text (20)
Have you disengaged the external inertial dampener?

Star Trek (2009)
The dampener helped keep the clothes slightly wet, making them easier to press.
He applied a light mist from the dampener to freshen up the wrinkled shirt.

Synonyms

moistener

vsdampener

1 6.2

A small tool that makes paper and fabric slightly wet for closing envelopes or ironing

is used to make something moist more generally before ironing or processing

wetting agent

vsdampener

Specialized

5.5

A chemical that helps a liquid spread or soak in more easily

uses a tool to add moisture rather than changing liquid properties chemically

Compounds

dampener on

1 7.1

Something that makes an event less enjoyable or exciting

dampener for morale

6.6

A thing that makes people feel less confident or excited

How Moist

steam iron

1 1.8

dampener

1 6.1

spray

72 1.0

Surface Forms

dampener singular

dampeners plural

Morphology

dampener = dampen (transparent) = damp + en + er

The device meaning is a straightforward agent noun from the verb 'dampen' (to make damp), so learners who know 'dampen' will readily understand it.

Etymology

Dampener comes from dampen, which comes from damp meaning 'slightly wet'. So a dampener is something that makes things a little moist, like a small tool or cloth used before ironing.