stopcock

/'stɔpkɔk/

Thân thiện

The plumber turns the stopcock to shut off the water.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A faucet or valve for controlling the flow of a liquid, especially water or gas, in a pipe: A stopcock is a rotating device, typically operated by a handle or key, that can be turned to start or stop the flow of a liquid through a pipe. It is often used to isolate sections of plumbing or gas lines.

Usage

• A stopcock is a crucial component in plumbing and gas systems, allowing for the control and shut-off of supply for maintenance or emergencies.
• It is typically found where a pipe enters a building (the main stopcock) or under sinks and behind appliances.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Turn off the main stopcock to stop the water flow to the entire house.
  • The plumber located the stopcock under the kitchen sink to fix the leak.
  • Ensure the gas stopcock is closed before working on the stove.

Advanced Usage

• "To turn off/on the stopcock": The standard phrase for operating the valve.
  • In case of a burst pipe, you must know how to turn off the main stopcock.
• "Main stopcock" / "Isolating stopcock": Refers to the primary valve controlling supply to a building or a specific valve for a single appliance.
  • The stopcock for the washing machine is behind the unit.

Variants and Related Words

• Valve (n): A more general term for a device that regulates the flow of a fluid. A stopcock is a specific type of valve.
• Faucet (n) / Tap (n, chiefly British): A device for drawing water from a pipe. While similar, a faucet/tap is usually at the point of use (e.g., a sink), whereas a stopcock is often within the pipe system for isolation.
• Shut-off valve (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with stopcock, especially in American English.

Synonyms

• Shut-off valve
• Isolation valve
• Cut-off valve

Related Phrases

• "Stopcock key": A special T-shaped or square-key tool used to operate stopcocks that are stiff or located in awkward positions.
  • You may need a stopcock key to turn the valve in the street.

Học thuật

Noun

1. faucet consisting of a rotating device for regulating flow of a liquid

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cock
• turncock