chimney-cap

chimney-cap

A black chimney-cap sits atop a red brick chimney.

Definition

Noun: A chimney-cap is a protective covering or device placed on top of a chimney to prevent rain, debris, animals, or downdrafts from entering the flue while allowing smoke to escape.

Usage Examples
  • (A metal covering on the chimney top.)
  • (A protective device to block animal entry.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to have a chimney-cap fitted": to install a chimney-cap on a chimney.

    • We had a chimney-cap fitted to improve draft and prevent water damage. (We arranged for a professional to attach the device.)
  • "chimney-cap with mesh": a chimney-cap that includes wire netting to block sparks and small animals.

    • A chimney-cap with mesh is essential for wood-burning stoves. (A cap featuring a wire screen for safety.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Chimney (n): a vertical structure in a building that carries smoke and gases from a fireplace or furnace to the outside.

    • Smoke rose from the chimney. (The vertical flue for exhaust.)
  • Cap (n): a protective cover or top for an object.

    • The bottle has a metal cap. (A covering for the opening.)
Synonyms
  • Chimney pot: a cylindrical or flared top piece on a chimney, sometimes used interchangeably with chimney-cap in some dialects.
  • Flue cap: a specific type of chimney-cap designed to cover the flue opening.
Related Idioms
  • (This term is technical and not used in common idioms.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • (The word is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.)