Definition

Noun A substance used to block the passage of fluids (like air or water) through seams, joints, or porous surfaces by forming a hard, impermeable coating or barrier.

Usage

A sealant is applied as a liquid or paste that then hardens or cures. Its primary function is to create a seal that prevents leakage, drafts, or the passage of moisture. It is commonly used in construction, automotive repair, and plumbing. * Apply a waterproof sealant around the bathtub edges to prevent leaks. * The mechanic used a silicone sealant to fix a small crack in the engine hose. * Before painting the wood, use a sealant to prevent the paint from soaking in unevenly.

Advanced Usage

• Dental Sealant: A specific type of sealant, often a plastic material, applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth (especially molars) to prevent cavities by sealing out plaque and food particles.
  • The dentist recommended dental sealants for my children's back teeth.

Variants and Related Words

• Seal (verb): The action of applying a sealant or making something airtight/watertight.
  • You must seal the windows properly before winter.
• Sealer: Often used interchangeably with sealant, though sometimes "sealer" refers specifically to a primer or preparatory coating that seals a porous surface.
  • Apply a concrete sealer to protect the driveway from stains.

Synonyms

• Caulk
• Filler
• Adhesive (in some contexts where bonding and sealing are combined)

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Silicone Sealant: A common, flexible type of sealant resistant to water and temperature changes.
• Polyurethane Sealant: A durable, adhesive sealant often used in construction for its strength and flexibility.
• Thread Sealant: A paste or tape used to seal the threads of pipes and fittings to prevent leaks.

Noun

1. a kind of sealing material that is used to form a hard coating on a porous surface (as a coat of paint or varnish used to size a surface)