Definition

1. Noun:
   • An auxiliary boiler: A "donkey boiler" is an extra or supplementary boiler, particularly on a ship, used to provide steam for various auxiliary systems when the main boilers are not in operation, such as when the ship is in port.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ship's engineers fired up the donkey boiler to supply steam for the heating system while docked.
  • Maintenance on the main propulsion boilers required the use of the donkey boiler for electrical power.

Advanced Usage

• "to operate the donkey boiler": To run or manage the auxiliary boiler.
  • A junior engineer was tasked with operating the donkey boiler overnight.

Variants and Related Words

• Donkey engine (n): A small auxiliary engine, historically steam-powered, used for tasks like pumping or hoisting. While related in function and historical context, it is a separate piece of equipment from a donkey boiler.

Synonyms

• Auxiliary boiler: A secondary boiler.
• Supplemental boiler: An additional boiler for backup or specific purposes.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is primarily nautical and historical. It refers to a specific piece of marine engineering equipment from the era of steam-powered ships. Its use in modern contexts is rare but understood within maritime history and certain industrial settings.

Noun

1. (nautical) an extra boiler (as a ship's boiler that is used while the ship is in port)