noun
damper
DAMP
noun
1
Something that spoils an otherwise good mood or occasion.
"The rain put a real damper on the outdoor wedding."
2
A metal plate or valve inside a fireplace, stove, or duct that controls airflow.
"Open the damper before lighting the fire so the smoke can escape."
3
A device that reduces vibration or shock in a mechanical system.
"The car's suspension uses dampers to smooth out bumps in the road."
How to Use Damper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often used for anything that spoils the mood, but also a technical term for a valve or shock absorber.
Common pairings
put a damper on
open the damper
shock damper
Word Forms
dampers plural
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The rain put a real _____ on the outdoor wedding.
Etymology
From damp (the verb) plus -er, someone or something that "damps." The plain, yeast-free bread of the same name is a separate, later use of the word, first recorded around 1825.