escape cock
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- 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