Word: Vapour Lock
Definition:
A "vapour lock" is a problem that happens in some machines, especially in cars, when gas or fuel can’t flow properly because bubbles of gas form in the fuel line. This usually occurs when it’s hot outside, and the heat makes the fuel boil and create bubbles, stopping the fuel from reaching the engine.
Usage Instructions:
- "Vapour lock" is a noun, which means it is a name for a specific issue. - You can use it when talking about car problems, especially when discussing how heat affects the engine.
Example Sentence:
- "My car wouldn’t start on the hot day because it had a vapour lock."
Advanced Usage:
- In discussions about automotive engineering, you might hear phrases like "preventing vapour lock" or "diagnosing vapour lock issues," which involve methods to avoid or fix this problem in vehicles.
Word Variants:
- The term "vapour" can also be spelled as "vapor" in American English, but "vapour lock" is commonly used in British English.
Different Meanings:
- "Vapour" or "vapor" generally refers to a gas that is formed when a liquid changes into gas. For example, steam from boiling water is a type of vapour. However, in the context of "vapour lock," it specifically refers to gas bubbles in fuel.
Synonyms:
- There are no direct synonyms for "vapour lock," but you might use related terms like "fuel blockage" or "gas line obstruction" when describing a similar situation.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "vapour lock," but you could use "lock up" in a general sense to describe something that is stuck or unable to move. - Example: "The engine locked up due to overheating," which indicates a problem similar to a vapour lock but not specifically about gas bubbles.
Summary:
A vapour lock is an important term to know if you're interested in cars or engines. It describes a situation where heat causes gas to form bubbles in the fuel line, preventing the fuel from reaching the engine.