ENGLISH
REFERENCE

coolant

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkuɫənt// UK //kˈuːlənt// coolant

n. a liquid or gas used to keep a machine or engine from getting too hot. You usually find it in cars or large industrial machines.

n. a fluid, typically liquid or gaseous, used to transfer heat away from a mechanical or industrial system to prevent overheating.


SIMPLE

The car engine needs more coolant before we drive.

CONTEXTUAL

The mechanic checked the radiator for leaks because the coolant level was dropping too quickly.

COMPLEX

In nuclear reactors, the primary coolant must circulate constantly to absorb thermal energy from the core and prevent a catastrophic meltdown of the fuel rods.

Origin

From cool + -ant.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance generally; countable when referring to specific types or brands of the fluid.

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