Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical seal: A flat piece of soft material, often rubber, cork, or metal, placed between two surfaces in a machine or pipe to prevent leaks of fluid or gas.
   • A ring or sheet for sealing: Specifically, a component used to seal a pipe joint or, in an engine, to seal the cylinder head to the engine block.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The plumber replaced the worn gasket to stop the leak under the sink.
  • A blown head gasket can cause serious engine problems in a car.
  • Always check the gasket for any cracks or damage before reassembling the pump.

Advanced Usage

• "to blow a gasket" (idiom): To become very angry or lose one's temper suddenly.
  • My boss is going to blow a gasket when he sees this mistake in the report.

Variants and Related Words

• O-ring (n): A specific type of gasket with a circular, ring-shaped cross-section, used in static or dynamic applications.
  • The hydraulic system uses several O-rings as seals.
• Seal (n): A broader term for any device or substance used to prevent the passage of fluid. A gasket is a type of seal.
  • The seal around the window keeps out the draft.

Synonyms

• Seal: A general term for a device that closes a gap to prevent leakage.
• Washer: A thin plate (typically disk-shaped) used to distribute load or as a spacer; some washers can function as simple gaskets.
• Packing: Material used to seal a joint, often in a stuffing box.

Related Phrases

• Head gasket: The specific gasket that sits between the engine block and cylinder head in an internal combustion engine.
  • Replacing a head gasket is a major repair job.
• Gasket material: The substance from which a gasket is made (e.g., rubber, silicone, cork, composite).
  • Choose the correct gasket material for the temperature and chemical exposure.

Related Idioms

• Blow a gasket: As mentioned in Advanced Usage, this idiom derives from the failure of an engine gasket, implying a sudden, pressurized release of emotion.
  • He blew a gasket when he found out the project was delayed again.

Noun

1. seal consisting of a ring for packing pistons or sealing a pipe joint