Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Seals without the application of moisture: Describes a material or object that can form a seal automatically, without needing to be wetted (like with water or glue).
   • Capable of sealing itself after being pierced: Describes an object, especially a tire or container, that can automatically close a puncture or small hole to prevent leakage.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The company uses self-sealing envelopes to save time and reduce waste.
  • A self-sealing fuel tank is a critical safety feature in military aircraft.
  • Modern self-sealing tires can prevent a flat if you run over a nail.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Engineering Context: The term is often used in materials science and engineering to describe polymers, laminates, or specially designed layers that flow into and block punctures.
  • The inner liner of the tire contains a viscous self-sealing compound.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-seal (verb, less common): The act of sealing automatically.
  • The membrane is designed to self-seal around the cable.
• Self-sealer (noun): A substance or product that provides self-sealing properties.
  • This puncture repair kit includes a self-sealer for temporary fixes.

Synonyms

• Autosealing: (Technical) Sealing automatically.
• Puncture-resistant: (For tires/tubes) Implies the ability to seal or withstand punctures.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Self-sealing envelope: An envelope with an adhesive strip that seals when pressed shut.
• Self-sealing tire: A tire with an inner layer of sealant that plugs small holes from nails or screws.
• Self-sealing fuel tank: A tank with a layered lining that expands to plug holes caused by projectiles or shrapnel.

Adjective

1. seals without the application of moisture
   • self-sealing envelopes
2. capable of sealing itself as after being pierced
   • self-sealing tires