noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

radiator

RA-dih-ay-tuh

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

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."

A metal heating fixture, typically filled with hot water or steam, used to warm a room.

"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

Word forms

radiators plural

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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

gator orator locator aviator senator equator Creator curator rotator operator agitator elevator

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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.