escape valve
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A safety device, typically a valve, designed to release pressure automatically from a system (such as a boiler or tank) when the pressure exceeds a safe limit, thereby preventing an explosion or failure.
Usage
The term "escape valve" is used to describe a physical safety mechanism in pressurized systems. It functions as a critical fail-safe. * The engineer checked the escape valve on the steam boiler to ensure it was functioning properly. * Every pressure cooker must have a reliable escape valve for safety.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: While the core meaning is mechanical, "escape valve" can be used metaphorically to describe a harmless outlet for strong emotions, stress, or social tension.
- For him, playing the piano served as an emotional escape valve from the pressures of his job.
- The new community center was seen as an escape valve for the neighborhood's youthful energy.
Variants and Related Words
- Safety valve: This is a more common and direct synonym for "escape valve" in both mechanical and figurative contexts.
- Relief valve: A technical term often used interchangeably with "escape valve" in engineering contexts.
Synonyms
- Safety valve
- Relief valve
- Vent
- Blow-off valve
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To act as an escape valve: To serve as a means of release for pressure, tension, or pent-up energy.
- Regular exercise can act as an escape valve for daily stress.
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