pilot
14
8.0
- noun
- /ˈpaɪlət/
- Specialized
- You blew out the pilot light on the furnace, right?
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Watch on YouTubeWell, I think that it, that little pilot light of that.
- Well, I think that it, that little pilot light of that.
- I'm talking about the consistent energy, like the pilot light in the boiler, there's always on and never burns.
Examples
-
The pilot light's on, no surge currents, and I reset the overload relay four days ago.
-
"Oh," I said, "I just lit a match because the pilot light went out on the stove."
Fiction book (1993) -
- To keep the pilot light on.
-
Jeremy, my pilot light's out again.
-
Ahead, my parents' furnace is outlined only by its own pilot light, glowing behind the ribbed iron door.
Fiction book (1991) -
Make sure the pilot light is lit before you turn on the stove.
-
If the pilot light goes out, the heater will not work.
-
To ensure safety, always check that the pilot light is functioning properly.
Synonyms
8
3.8
A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger burner
1
6.1
A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger flame when needed
Compounds
- Specialized
1
4.6
A small initial test to check if a research method is possible and how much time and money it needs
- Specialized
1
6.2
An automatic machine that controls a ship, plane or spacecraft without a person
- Specialized
1
3.9
A small boat that takes a person who guides large ships into and out of port
- Archaic
1
8.1
A very hard plain biscuit that keeps for a long time and sailors use on ships
- Specialized
1
8.8
A map that shows common winds, currents, and weather for a sea area and season
- Specialized
1
6.3
A rope ladder with wooden or metal steps that you use to board a ship from a small boat
- Specialized
A small balloon released to find wind direction and speed high in the sky
Surface Forms
Etymology
Pilot is used for the small safety flame because it acts as a little 'guide' that helps light the main burner, so a pilot light keeps the big flame ready.