radiator cap
1
4.4
- noun
- /ˈreɪdiˌeɪtər kæp/
:
tapa del radiador
- But ask yourself this: how handy would that be if you broke down on the side of the road and needed a wrench to get the stupid radiator cap off?
Examples
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Before adding coolant, make sure to remove the radiator cap carefully to avoid any splashes.
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You have a radiator cap for me?
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It's just a stripped radiator cap.
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Reaches for the radiator cap.
Fiction book (1993) -
We used to carry those old canvas water bags and hang them off the radiator cap of our Model A.
Blog text (18) -
And I think it doesn't matter why the radiator cap flew off.
Fiction book (1992) -
Hey, Schnoz, take that radiator cap and throw it down the sewer.
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Amy watches as he returns to the engine and begins unscrewing the radiator cap.
Fiction book (1997) -
The mechanic explained that a faulty radiator cap could cause the engine to overheat.
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Always check the radiator cap for any signs of damage when performing maintenance on your vehicle.
Synonyms
116
1.0
A cover that fits over the top of a container like a bottle
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is a transparent compound: 'radiator' (a heat-exchanger) combined with 'cap' (a removable cover) straightforwardly yields the meaning 'a cover for the radiator opening.' The specific technical details about pressure control are domain-specific, but the basic object and function are directly inferable by a B1 learner who knows both constituents.
Etymology
The name radiator cap comes from a simple picture: a cap that covers the radiator opening and keeps the 'cooling liquid' inside. Because it seals the system and holds pressure, it stops the liquid from boiling or spraying out when the engine is hot, so radiator cap means the cover that keeps the engine's cooling system closed and safe.