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Glite Dictionary
automatic choke

automatic choke

1 6.8
A device in a car engine that automatically reduces air so the engine starts easily when cold
  • noun
  • /ˈɔːtəmætɪk tʃoʊk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : ahogador automático
  • The automatic choke helps start the engine smoothly.

Examples

  • The old car wouldn't start until the automatic choke adjusted the air flow.

  • Modern vehicles are usually equipped with an automatic choke to make cold starting easier.

  • He discovered the problem was caused by a faulty automatic choke in the carburetor.

  • Many cars now feature an automatic choke system.

  • The mechanic explained that the automatic choke helps the engine start more easily by controlling the air-fuel mixture.

  • In cold weather, an automatic choke adjusts the fuel flow to ensure the engine starts efficiently.

  • Many modern cars are equipped with an automatic choke, which improves engine performance during startup.

Synonyms

choke
vsautomatic choke
  • Archaic
12 8.2

A valve on an engine that reduces air to help it start

an automatic device that works without manual control

Surface Forms

automatic choke singular
automatic chokes plural

Morphology

automatic + choke

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'automatic' (operates with little human input) modifying 'choke' (a valve controlling air to a carburetor): together they denote a choke that functions automatically. This adjective+noun composition is a common, literal device-naming pattern cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand the term.

Etymology

Automatic choke creates a simple image: a small part called the choke that partly blocks the air to help a cold engine 'start'. The word automatic shows it does this by itself, so the name means a device that helps the engine start without the driver doing anything.