Definition

1. Noun:
   • A contact in a distributor: A distributor point is a specific electrical contact point located inside the distributor of an internal combustion engine. As the distributor's rotor turns, its projecting arm makes contact with these points, allowing electrical current to flow to the spark plugs in the correct firing sequence.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mechanic adjusted the distributor point to improve the engine's timing.
  • A worn distributor point can cause the engine to misfire.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In automotive engineering, "distributor point" specifically refers to the set of contact points within a traditional breaker-point ignition system, which is now largely superseded by electronic ignition systems.
  • Older cars require regular maintenance of the distributor point and condenser.

Variants and Related Words

• Distributor (n): The device containing the distributor points, rotor, and cap that routes high-voltage electricity to the spark plugs.
  • The distributor is a key component of the ignition system.
• Breaker points (n): Another common term for distributor points, referring to the contact points that break the circuit.
  • The breaker points need to be cleaned and gapped periodically.
• Ignition points (n): A synonym for distributor points, emphasizing their role in the ignition system.

Synonyms

• Contact points: The electrical contacts within the distributor.
• Breaker points: Points that mechanically break the circuit to create a spark.

Related Phrases

• To set the points: The act of adjusting the gap of the distributor points.
  • He learned how to set the points on his vintage motorcycle.
• Point gap: The precise distance between the contact points when they are open.
  • The service manual specifies the correct point gap for the engine.

Noun

1. a contact in the distributor; as the rotor turns its projecting arm contacts them and current flows to the spark plugs