English Explanatory Dictionary

safety valve

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A valve set to open at a pressure below that at which a container holding a gas, vapour, etc. (such as a boiler or pressure cooker), would burst, thus reducing the pressure; a relief valve.
  2. A valve set to close a container holding a gas or vapour to prevent excessive loss of pressure.
  3. Any mechanism offering relief from physical or emotional pressure or tension.
  4. A United States law, codified at 18 United States Code §3553(f), authorizing a judge to disregard mandatory minimum sentences for some criminals with few or no prior offenses.
verb
  1. Alternative form of safety-valve.

Pronunciation

/ˈseɪftɪ ˌvælv/ /ˈseɪfti ˌvælv/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Persent101-safety valve.wav

Word forms

safety valve safety valves safety-valve safety valving safety valved

Etymology

From safety + valve.

Synonyms

outlet release

Derived words

Ramsbottom safety valve safety-valve

Translations

Finnish: purkautumiskeino Macedonian: ве́нтил Macedonian: сигу́рносен ве́нтил Polish: wentyl Polish: wentyl bezpieczeństwa Portuguese: válvula de escape
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