relief valve

noun

1. a device that, when actuated by static pressure above a predetermined level, opens in proportion to the excess above this level and reduces the pressure to it.

Example Sentences

Economists, immigration attorneys and scholars say that without another relief valve, it is not just the immigrants who will suffer but people in a wide swath of the economy.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month, a pressure relief valve on a surge tank stuck open, causing hundreds of thousands of gallons of wastewater to spill onto the street.

From Los Angeles Times

Wonderful is also touting plans for a six-lane highway, the Central Valley Green Pass, that would act as a relief valve for Highway 99.

From Los Angeles Times

"Combined storm overflows are a pressure relief valve for the wastewater network," NI Water's Director of Engineering and Sustainability Gary Curran explained.

From BBC

The interest forgiveness would be a one-time benefit, but would be the largest relief valve in the plan.

From New York Times