nozzle
NOZ-uhl
/ˈnɒzl/
A cylindrical spout at the end of a pipe or hose used to control and direct the flow of a liquid or gas.
Refers specifically to the metal spout inserted directly into the car's fuel tank neck.
The story behind the word. The word originated in the late 15th century as a playful diminutive of 'nose'. Just as a nose protrudes from a face, a nozzle protrudes from the tip of a tube or pipe.
Word relationships
- spout: Spout is a general term for any opening that pours liquid, whereas nozzle implies a shaped outlet designed to control direction and pressure.
Commonly confused with
- hose: The hose is the flexible rubber tube, whereas the nozzle is the hard metal spout at the end.
Collocations
- fuel nozzle
- insert nozzle
- nozzle latch
- spray nozzle
Example sentences
- "Insert the fuel nozzle completely into the tank filler neck before squeezing the trigger." Refueling process
- "Never clear static electricity by wiping the nozzle against your clothing." Safety guideline
Memory hook
NOZZLE looks and acts like a small NOSE sticking out of the hose. NOZ-zle = Little Nose on a hose.
When not to use
Do not call the entire fuel station machine a nozzle; it is only the terminal spout attachment.
Fun facts
- Modern fuel nozzles feature an automatic shutoff venturi mechanism that triggers when fuel splash-back covers a tiny air intake hole near the tip.
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