Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
auxiliary boiler

auxiliary boiler

7.8
A small machine on a ship that makes steam or hot water when the main system is off
  • noun
  • /ɔːɡˈzɪljəri ˈbɔɪlər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : caldera auxiliar
  • During the stay in port, the crew depended on the auxiliary boiler for steam and heating.

Examples

  • The auxiliary boiler was activated to supply hot water while the ship was docked.

  • Routine maintenance was performed on the auxiliary boiler before departure.

  • The ship's auxiliary boiler provides steam when the main boiler is off.

  • An auxiliary boiler is essential for operations in port.

  • During the stay in port, the crew depended on the auxiliary boiler for steam and heating.

  • The auxiliary boiler was activated to supply hot water while the ship was docked.

  • Routine maintenance was performed on the auxiliary boiler before departure.

Synonyms

donkey boiler
vsauxiliary boiler
  • Archaic
9.4

A small extra boiler on a ship used for steam and heat while in port

is a broader secondary unit not limited to small port use

How Essential

auxiliary boiler
  • Specialized
7.8
space heater
  • US
11 3.1

Surface Forms

auxiliary boiler singular
auxiliary boilers plural

Morphology

auxiliary + boiler

The meaning 'secondary/backup boiler' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'auxiliary' (extra or backup) with 'boiler' (a steam-producing vessel). This straightforward noun-modifier composition follows common cross-linguistic patterns and is predictable for a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Auxiliary boiler comes from ship language: auxiliary means 'extra' and boiler is the tank that makes 'steam' or 'hot water'. So it is the extra boiler used when the main boilers are not running, to give 'steam' and 'hot water' while the ship is in port.