escape valve
- noun
- /ɪˈskeɪp vælv/
- Specialized
:
válvula de escape
- Without a working escape valve, pressure could build up dangerously inside the tank.
Examples
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During the test, steam was released through the escape valve to prevent an explosion.
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The engineer checked the escape valve to make sure it was functioning properly before starting the boiler.
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The escape valve is crucial.
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Don't forget to check the escape valve!
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The engineer installed an escape valve to release excess pressure from the steam boiler.
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If the pressure builds up too high, the escape valve will automatically open to prevent an explosion.
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To ensure safety, the chemical container was fitted with an escape valve that activates during overpressure.
Synonyms
4
3.9
A device that opens automatically to let out extra pressure
1
3.7
A part on a boiler or similar machine that automatically lets out steam when pressure gets too high
A part that opens by itself to let out pressure and prevent an accident
A valve that opens by itself to let out extra pressure in a steam boiler
Antonyms
How Fast
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a valve that releases excess pressure' is directly and literally derived from combining 'escape' (release/outflow) with 'valve' (a flow-control device). This is a compositional, cross-linguistically common noun-noun compound describing function, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
Escape valve comes from the simple image of a valve that lets steam or gas escape when a tank has too much pressure. So, it means 'a safety part that releases pressure to prevent an explosion'.