radiator

American  

[rey-dee-ey-ter] / ˈreɪ diˌeɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that radiates.

2. any of various heating devices, as a series or coil of pipes through which steam or hot water passes.

3. a device constructed from thin-walled tubes and metal fins, used for cooling circulating water, as in an automobile engine.

4. Radio. a transmitting antenna.

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radiator British  

/ ˈreɪdɪˌeɪtə /

noun

1. a device for heating a room, building, etc, consisting of a series of pipes through which hot water or steam passes

2. a device for cooling an internal-combustion engine, consisting of thin-walled tubes through which water passes. Heat is transferred from the water through the walls of the tubes to the airstream, which is created either by the motion of the vehicle or by a fan

3. an electric fire

4. electronics the part of an aerial or transmission line that radiates electromagnetic waves

5. an electric space heater

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radiator Scientific  

/ rā′dē-ā′tər /

1. A body that emits radiation. Radiators are commonly designed to transfer heat energy from one place to another, as in an automobile, in which the radiator cools the engine by transferring heat energy from the engine to the air, or in buildings, where radiators transfer heat energy from a furnace to the air and objects in the surrounding room.

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Etymology

Origin of radiator

First recorded in 1830–40; radiate + -or ²

Example Sentences

I don’t know if he’s out of gas, has a busted radiator, flat tires or is suffering from dementia.

From Salon

While in orbit, she performed three spacewalks to repair a leak in a station radiator and replace a component that transfers power from the station's solar arrays to its systems.

From Science Daily

Other Pennsylvania programs allow consumers with large balances to establish a monthly payment plan or to apply to repair broken radiators.

From Barron's

"You can imagine if there is no power, no water at your home. You cannot take a shower. Your radiators are cold. The situation is very critical," the mayor said.

From Barron's

Ukrainian media has reported instances of radiators bursting due to the water in them freezing, leading to flooding in entire buildings.

From BBC

Related Words

• boiler
• fastball
• furnace
• oven
• stove