Definition

Noun: A safety valve, specifically a valve fitted to a pressurized vessel (such as a steam boiler) that opens automatically to release excess pressure and prevent a dangerous explosion.

Usage

The term "escape cock" is a technical and somewhat dated term for a pressure relief valve. It is used to describe a critical safety device. * The engineer inspected the escape cock on the old steam locomotive's boiler. * Regular testing of the escape cock is essential for safe operation.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is primarily found in historical, industrial, or mechanical engineering contexts describing older systems.
• It functions as a fail-safe mechanism.

Variants and Related Words

• Safety valve (noun): The more common modern term for the same device.
• Relief valve (noun): A synonym often used in engineering.
• Escape valve (noun): A less common variant.

Synonyms

• Safety valve
• Relief valve
• Blow-off valve

Antonyms

• Seal (noun): A device that closes something securely.
• Plug (noun): An object used to block an opening.

Related Phrases

• To blow off steam: This idiom, meaning to release pent-up emotion, originates from the literal function of a safety valve or escape cock.

Noun

1. a valve in a container in which pressure can build up (as a steam boiler); it opens automatically when the pressure reaches a dangerous level