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Glite Dictionary
pilot lamp

pilot lamp

4.0
A small light on a device that shows the power is on
  • noun
  • /ˈpaɪlət læmp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : luz piloto
  • A red pilot lamp on the dashboard signals that something needs your attention.

Examples

  • The pilot lamp above the switch glows when the machine is running.

  • If the pilot lamp isn't lit, check if the appliance is plugged in.

  • The pilot lamp is glowing green.

  • Is the pilot lamp working properly?

  • The red pilot lamp on the control panel indicates that the machine is powered on.

  • If the pilot lamp is off, it means there is no electricity flowing to the device.

  • The pilot lamp turned green, showing that the circuit is functioning correctly.

Synonyms

indicator
vspilot lamp
  • Specialized
11 3.7

A device that shows the condition of a machine or system

is narrower and means a small light showing power or circuit function
pilot light
vspilot lamp
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A small light on a machine or panel that shows it is on

has identical meaning but uses a different everyday term
indicator lamp
vspilot lamp
3.5

A small light that shows when a device is on or working

is more specific to power supply or circuit functioning

Surface Forms

pilot lamp singular
pilot lamps plural

Morphology

pilot + lamp

The meaning 'a small indicator light' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'pilot' (a small constant flame or indicator) with 'lamp' (a light source); the compound simply denotes a lamp that serves the pilot/indicator function. This noun-compound pattern is common in technical vocabulary and has clear cross-linguistic parallels, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The noun pilot lamp may come from the idea of a small lamp that pilots a machine, a tiny light that watches or guides the device. So, pilot lamp means the little light that shows a machine or appliance is 'on' or 'working'.