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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

radiator

RA-dih-ay-tuh
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Radiator (noun) means a device that cools a vehicle's engine by transferring heat from coolant to the surrounding air. Example: “The mechanic found a leak in the car's radiator.”

noun
1
A device that cools a vehicle's engine by transferring heat from coolant to the surrounding air.
"The mechanic found a leak in the car's radiator."
"The car overheated because of a broken radiator."
2
A metal heating fixture, typically filled with hot water or steam, used to warm a room.
"Steam hissed from the old iron radiator."
"The radiator kept the apartment warm during winter."
"She hung her wet coat over the radiator to dry."

How to use radiator

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA device that gives off heat — either to cool a car engine or to warm a room.

Common pairings
central heating radiator car radiator radiator fluid
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Word forms

Plural
radiators
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The mechanic found a leak in the car's _____.

Etymology

Formed from "radiate" plus the agent suffix "-or", meaning "something that radiates".

Rhymes for radiator

See all rhymes for radiator →

Frequently asked questions

What does “radiator” mean?
The word “radiator” means a device that cools a vehicle's engine by transferring heat from coolant to the surrounding air. In plain terms, a device that gives off heat — either to cool a car engine or to warm a room.
How do you pronounce “radiator”?
“Radiator” is pronounced RA-dih-ay-tuh (/ˈɹej.di(j)ˌej.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “radiator” in a sentence?
Here is “radiator” used in a sentence: “The mechanic found a leak in the car's radiator.”
What part of speech is “radiator”?
“Radiator” is a noun.
Is “radiator” a common word?
“Radiator” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “radiator” have?
“Radiator” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that cools a vehicle's engine by transferring heat from coolant to the surrounding air.