glow plug

noun

, Automotive, Machinery.

1. a device for each cylinder of a diesel engine with a heating element to heat the incoming fuel and air so that combustion will take place more readily when the engine is cold.

glow plug

noun

1. one of usually four plugs fitted to the cylinder block of a diesel engine that warms the engine chamber to facilitate starting in cold weather Also calledheater plug

Other Words From

• glow-plug adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glow plug¹

First recorded in 1940–45