insulation

The word “insulation” means material used to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or electricity. In plain terms, the material or effect that blocks something from getting through, whether that's cold air or unwanted influence.

“Insulation” is pronounced ihns-yuu-LAY-shuhn (/ˌɪnsəˈleɪʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “insulation” used in a sentence: “They added extra insulation to the roof before winter.”

“Insulation” is a noun.

“Insulation” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Insulation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: material used to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or electricity.

Insulation refers to material used to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or electricity, or the state of being protected by such material. Isolation means being separated or set apart from others entirely, without the specific protective function that insulation implies, such as isolating a patient rather than insulating a wall.

Common insulation materials include fiberglass, foam board, cellulose, and mineral wool, all chosen for their ability to slow the transfer of heat or cold between spaces. Materials used for sound or electrical insulation, such as rubber or certain plastics, are selected for their resistance to sound waves or electrical current rather than temperature.

Yes. Insulation can describe the state or process of being shielded from any kind of exposure, not just heat or cold, such as being insulated from criticism or economic insulation from market shocks. This figurative use extends the core idea of a protective barrier to non-physical situations.