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Glite Dictionary
vapor lock

vapor lock

1 7.4
A stop in the fuel moving to a car engine because heat makes gas bubbles
  • noun
  • /ˈveɪpər lɑk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bloqueo por vapor
  • A vapor lock or an improperly closed valve anywhere within 10 stories of piping can have disastrous consequences.

Examples

  • The mechanic explained that vapor lock often occurs in older vehicles during summer heat.

  • To avoid vapor lock, it's essential to maintain the fuel system and keep it cool.

  • When the temperature rises, vapor lock can prevent the engine from starting properly.

Surface Forms

vapor lock singular
vapor locks plural
vapour locks plural
vapour lock singular

Morphology

vapor + lock

The term transparently combines 'vapor' (gas) and 'lock' (a jam or blockage), so a learner who knows both words can likely infer it refers to a blocking caused by vapor. However, the precise technical meaning — a fuel-flow stoppage in an internal combustion engine caused by vapor bubbles — is specialized and not fully predictable from the parts alone, so it is only partially transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

The noun vapor lock comes from engines where heat turns liquid fuel into vapor, or gas, and the bubbles act like a lock that stops the fuel from flowing. So, it means 'a stop in the fuel flow'.