spark plug
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A device for igniting the fuel mixture in an internal-combustion engine: A spark plug is an electrical device screwed into the cylinder head of an engine. Its core function is to produce an electric spark to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture, initiating the combustion that powers the engine.
Usage
The term "spark plug" is used to refer to the specific engine component. It is a countable noun. * Mechanics check and replace worn spark plugs during a tune-up. * The engine misfired because one spark plug was faulty. * A common maintenance task is changing the spark plugs.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use - "The spark plug of the team": Informally, a person who provides energy, impetus, or inspiration to a group can be called its "spark plug."
- The young midfielder was the spark plug for the team's offensive plays.
Variants and Related Words
- Spark plug gap (noun phrase): The precise distance between the center and ground electrodes of a spark plug, which is critical for proper spark generation.
- Spark plug wrench (noun phrase): A special socket wrench designed for removing and installing spark plugs.
- Igniter/Ignition device (noun): A more general term for any device that starts combustion.
Synonyms
- Plug (noun): A common shortened form in automotive contexts (e.g., "I need to change the plugs").
- Ignition plug (noun): A less common, more descriptive synonym.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To foul a spark plug (verb phrase): When a spark plug becomes coated with oil, carbon, or fuel deposits, preventing it from sparking properly. This can be used literally or figuratively for something that impedes function.
- The rich fuel mixture fouled the spark plugs. (Literal)
- Constant negativity fouled the spark plugs of our project's momentum. (Figurative)
Noun
- electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine and ignites the gas by means of an electric spark