donkey boiler
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- (nautical) an extra boiler (as a ship's boiler that is used while the ship is in port)