distributor housing
- noun
- /dɪsˈtrɪbjʊtər ˈhaʊzɪŋ/
- Specialized
- A crack in the distributor housing can lead to ignition problems in your vehicle.
Examples
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The mechanic removed the distributor housing to inspect the cam for wear.
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Always ensure the distributor housing is properly sealed to prevent moisture from entering the engine.
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The distributor housing needs to be replaced.
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I found a crack in the distributor housing of my car.
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A crack in the distributor housing can lead to ignition problems in your vehicle.
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Always ensure the distributor housing is properly sealed to prevent moisture from entering the engine.
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The mechanic removed the distributor housing to inspect the cam for wear.
Synonyms
A cover that protects machine parts
An outer cover that protects things like a tire from damage
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'distributor' (an automotive component that sends ignition voltage) + 'housing' (a protective case): it denotes the casing that supports and protects the distributor. Although the term is technical, the noun+noun compound follows a literal, cross-linguistically common pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
The compound distributor housing is the metal case around a car's distributor. The word distributor is the part that sends sparks to the engine and housing is a cover that 'protects' and 'holds' it, so the phrase means the metal enclosure that keeps the distributor safe from dirt and water.