air-cock
Definition
- Noun:
- A valve or tap for releasing air from a pipe, container, or system; specifically, a device used to vent or discharge air from a steam boiler, radiator, or other pressurized apparatus.
Usage Examples
- (A valve used to vent air from a system.)
- (A tap for controlling air release.)
- (A device for discharging air from a heating system.)
Advanced Usage
- "to bleed the air-cock": to open the valve to allow air to escape.
- He had to bleed the air-cock on the boiler to remove air pockets. (Open the valve to vent air.)
- "air-cock assembly": the complete mechanism including the valve and its fittings.
- The air-cock assembly was replaced during the maintenance check. (The entire valve unit.)
Variants and Related Words
- Air valve (n): a general term for a valve that controls the flow of air.
- The air valve is essential for regulating pressure in pneumatic systems. (A broader term for air control devices.)
- Cock (n): a tap or valve for controlling the flow of a liquid or gas.
- The water cock in the kitchen was leaking. (A common term for a tap.)
Synonyms
- Air vent: an opening or valve that allows air to escape.
- The air vent on the tank was clogged. (A similar device for releasing air.)
- Bleed valve: a valve specifically used to release air or gas from a system.
- The bleed valve on the radiator was opened. (A specialized term for air release.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Air out: to ventilate or expose to fresh air.
- Open the windows to air out the room. (Not directly related but involves air circulation.)
- Let off: to release steam, gas, or air.
- The boiler let off steam through the safety valve. (A phrasal verb for releasing pressure.)
Related Idioms
- Let off steam: to release pent-up energy or emotion.
- He went for a run to let off steam after work. (Figurative use, not directly about an air-cock.)
- Full of hot air: talking nonsense or boasting.
- His promises were full of hot air. (Figurative, related to air but not the device.)