water-gauge

The engineer checks the water-gauge on the side of the boiler.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device for measuring water level: A "water-gauge" is an instrument used to indicate the height or level of water in a container, such as a boiler, tank, or reservoir. It typically consists of a transparent tube or a set of markers that allow visual observation of the water surface.

Usage Examples

• (A device measuring the water level in a boiler.)
• (A faulty water-level indicator.)
• (The instrument displaying the water height.)

Advanced Usage

• "water-gauge glass": A specific type of water-gauge that uses a vertical glass tube to show the water level.
  • The water-gauge glass was cracked, so they replaced it immediately. (The glass tube component of the gauge.)
• "to read the water-gauge": To observe and interpret the water level indicated by the device.
  • He read the water-gauge and noted that the level was within safe limits. (He checked the instrument's reading.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gauge (n): a general instrument for measuring or estimating the amount or level of something.
  • The pressure gauge showed a dangerous increase. (A measuring device for pressure.)
• Water level (n): the height of water in a container or natural body.
  • The water level in the reservoir dropped during the drought. (The height of the water surface.)
• Sight glass (n): another term for a transparent water-gauge, especially in industrial settings.
  • The sight glass allowed workers to see the water inside the tank. (A transparent water-level indicator.)

Synonyms

• Water-level indicator: a device that shows the height of water.
• Liquid level gauge: a more general term for a gauge that measures the level of any liquid, including water.
• Hydrostatic gauge: a gauge that measures water level based on pressure.

Related Idioms

• "Keep an eye on the water-gauge": To monitor a situation closely, especially one involving safety or resource levels.
  • The supervisor told us to keep an eye on the water-gauge during the experiment. (Monitor the water level carefully.)
• "Below the water-gauge": A phrase sometimes used metaphorically to mean below a critical or visible threshold.
  • His enthusiasm was below the water-gauge after the setback. (His motivation was very low or invisible.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Not applicable: The word "water-gauge" is a compound noun and does not form phrasal verbs. However, the verb "gauge" can be used separately:
  • Gauge (verb): to estimate or determine the amount or level of something.

    • They gauged the water level using a simple stick. (They measured or estimated the water height.)