indicator lamp
- noun
- /ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtər læmp/
:
luz indicadora
- The dashboard features an indicator lamp that lights up when the engine is running.
Examples
-
The system has an alarm and power indicator lamps with a Test, Silence, and Normal position switch. It can be configured to detect either high or low liquid levels and power failures.
Academic text (1997) -
When the device is powered on, the indicator lamp turns green to show it is operational.
-
If the indicator lamp flickers, it may indicate a problem with the system.
Synonyms
11
3.7
A device that shows the condition of a machine or system
1
4.2
A small light on a machine or panel that shows it is on
A small light on a device that shows the power is on
A small electric light that glows when electricity passes through a gas, often used to show a device is on
How Bright
66
4.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a small light that shows whether a device is on or operating' is directly built from 'indicator' (something that signals a state) + 'lamp' (a light), so the overall sense is compositional. This noun–noun compound follows a common, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both words should be able to infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Indicator lamp comes from the simple idea of two parts: indicator, meaning 'shows', and lamp, a small light. When the indicator lamp lights, it tells you the machine is 'on' or working, so the name means a light that shows a device's status.