safety valve
1
3.7
- noun
- /ˈseɪfti vælv/
- Specialized
:
válvula de seguridad
- He has co-developed solutions for the problem of flow-excited acoustic resonance in power-plant steam safety valves.
Examples
-
Circle 190 on Reader Service Card safety valves.
Academic text (1999) -
Figure 41A-T bronze, top outlet safety valves for air and nonhazardous services are now available from stock in sizes from 1/2 in. through 2 in. inlet connections.
Academic text (1999) -
- It's the safety valve!
-
A new line of safety valves features stainless steel seats and discs.
Academic text (1998) -
The safety valve provided by the availability of land remained, and extensive cultivation continued to be an efficient outlet for small-scale enterprise throughout the colonial era.
Academic text (2005) -
The Figure 32, 43, and 42A Series safety valves are available in sizes ranging from 72 in. to 2 1/2 in. for pressures up to 300 psi and temperatures up to 422 degrees Fahrenheit.
Academic text (1998) -
The engineer then held the safety valves down to get the boilers running hot enough to push the steamer's engines to 17 knots—enough to outrun the Yankee ship.
Academic text (2011) -
The safety valve opened automatically to release pressure, preventing a potential explosion.
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Each pressure cooker is equipped with a safety valve to ensure safe cooking conditions.
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To avoid accidents, it is crucial to check that the safety valve is functioning properly.
Synonyms
153
4.1
A device that controls the flow of liquid or air in machines and instruments
4
3.9
A device that opens automatically to let out extra pressure
A part that opens by itself to let out pressure and prevent an accident
A device that opens by itself to let out extra pressure and prevent explosions
A valve that opens by itself to let out extra pressure in a steam boiler
How Quickly
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is transparently built from 'safety' + 'valve' and directly denotes a valve whose function is to ensure safety (i.e., release excess pressure), so a learner who knows both words can readily infer the literal device meaning; the metaphorical sense as a 'release for emotion or stress' is also a predictable extension of the component meanings. This is a regular noun–noun compound pattern found cross-linguistically, so an average B1 learner would understand it from the constituents.
Etymology
Safety valve comes from a real valve used on boilers and tanks. The valve opens and lets steam out when pressure gets too high to keep people and machines safe, so it means 'a device that prevents dangerous pressure'.