ENGLISH
REFERENCE

radiator

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɹeɪdiˌeɪtɝ// UK //ɹˈeɪdɪˌeɪtɐ// ra·di·a·tor

n. a metal device that gets hot to warm up a room. You usually find them on the wall, and they work by moving hot water or oil through pipes.

n. a hollow metal device, usually part of a central heating system, that transfers heat to the surrounding air via convection and radiation.


SIMPLE

The radiator makes a clicking sound when it gets hot.

CONTEXTUAL

During the winter, we have to bleed the radiators to ensure they heat the house efficiently.

COMPLEX

In older apartment buildings, the steam radiators often hiss and clank as the pressure builds, providing a rhythmic background noise to the residents' daily lives.

Origin

From radiate + -or. Doublet of radiatori.

Usage

Commonly used with verbs like 'bleed' (to remove air) or 'turn up/down'.

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