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pilot

pilot

39 8.0
A small flame that lights a larger gas burner
  • noun
  • /ˈpaɪlət/
  • Specialized
translation icon : llama piloto
  • You blew out the pilot light on the furnace, right?

Well, I think that it, that little pilot light of that.

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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

pilot light
vspilot
  • Specialized
4 3.8

A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger burner

is the same but used as a general term, not only the always-on flame
pilot burner
vspilot
  • Specialized
6.1

A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger flame when needed

is the same but named more generally, not stressing continuous flame

Compounds

fighter pilot
  • Specialized
29 4.0

A person who flies military combat planes

21 3.6

A small test project that tries a new idea before using it everywhere

test pilot
  • Specialized
12 6.0

A person who flies new planes to see how they perform

A small test of a new plan or system in a few places to see if it works

pilot light
  • Specialized
4 3.8

A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger burner

3 5.5

A small dark sea animal that lives in groups led by the largest male

2 6.0

A person who flies military planes to fight enemy aircraft

automatic pilot
  • Specialized
2 3.9

A device that steers a plane, ship, or spacecraft by itself

1 5.6

A pilot who performs daring flying tricks at airshows

1 3.2

A person who flies a plane and has a licence

automatic pilot
  • Informal
1 5.0

To act without thinking, as if following a routine

pilot light
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A small light on a machine or panel that shows it is on

senior pilot
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A pilot in charge of a plane who has the final say

cock pilot
  • Offensive
9.9

A pilot who has little experience and takes dangerous risks

3.4

A person who helps the main pilot and can fly the plane if needed

robot pilot
  • Specialized
6.2

An automatic machine that controls a ship, plane or spacecraft without a person

A large harmless black snake in North America that eats rats

pilot boat
  • Specialized
3.9

A small boat that takes a person who guides large ships into and out of port

pilot bread
  • Archaic
8.1

A very hard plain biscuit that keeps for a long time and sailors use on ships

pilot burner
  • Specialized
6.1

A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger flame when needed

pilot chart
  • Specialized
8.8

A map that shows common winds, currents, and weather for a sea area and season

pilot cloth
  • Archaic
9.5

A thick, warm blue wool cloth used to make sailors' overcoats

pilot balloon
  • Specialized
7.0

A small balloon released to find wind direction and speed high in the sky

pilot biscuit
  • Archaic
9.9

A very hard dry biscuit that sailors kept on ships to eat

pilot bit
  • Specialized
7.0

A small drill tool that makes a first hole to guide a larger drill

pilot engine
  • Archaic
7.6

A train engine that goes ahead to check the track for obstacles

pilot experiment
  • Specialized
4.6

A small initial test to check if a research method is possible and how much time and money it needs

An episode made to show the idea of a TV show and get approval

pilot ladder
  • Specialized
6.3

A rope ladder with wooden or metal steps that you use to board a ship from a small boat

pilot lamp
  • Specialized
4.0

A small light on a device that shows the power is on

sky pilot
  • Archaic
9.4

A military religious leader who gives comfort and support to soldiers

Surface Forms

pilot singular
pilots plural

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.