ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insulation

n.
US //ˌɪnsəˈɫeɪʃən// UK //ˌɪnsuːlˈeɪʃən// in·su·la·tion
  1. 1 protective material (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    material used to keep a building warm or to stop sound from passing through walls.

    material used to reduce the rate of heat transfer or sound transmission. Often uncountable when referring to the substance generally.

    Example

    The workers put thick insulation in the roof to keep the house warm during winter.

    Example

    Installing high-quality fiberglass insulation in the attic is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve a home's energy efficiency.
  2. 2 electrical protection (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    a covering on a wire that stops electricity from escaping or causing a shock.

    a non-conducting material used to prevent the passage of electricity from a conductor. Typically refers to the protective coating on wiring.

    Example

    The plastic insulation on the power cord was cracked, so we had to replace it.

    Example

    The technician inspected the wiring for any signs of degraded insulation that might lead to a short circuit or a fire hazard.
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  1. 3 protection from outside influence (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the state of being protected or separated from outside problems or noise.

    the state of being detached or isolated from external physical or social influences. Often used figuratively to describe protection from harsh realities.

    Example

    Living in a small village provided some insulation from the busy life of the city.

    Example

    The diplomat's wealth provided a degree of insulation from the economic hardships affecting the rest of the population.
Origin

From insulate + -ion.

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