radiator
RAY-dee-ay-tur
/ˈreɪdieɪtər/
A thing that radiates light or heat, especially a device consisting of a series of pipes through which hot water or steam passes to heat a room.
Usually refers to cast-iron or metal wall units in older buildings, or the cooling unit in a car engine.
The story behind the word. The radiator gets its name from the Latin word 'radiare', meaning to emit rays. Though we cannot see them, a hot radiator is constantly throwing off invisible rays of infrared heat that warm our skin directly.
Word relationships
- heater: Heater is a broad category; a radiator is a specific type of heater that works via radiation and convection.
Commonly confused with
- convector: A convector heats primarily by moving air currents, whereas a radiator emits direct infrared heat waves alongside air warming.
Word family
- radiate (verb): To emit energy in the form of rays or waves.
- radiation (noun): The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves.
Collocations
- cast-iron radiator
- radiator valve
- bleed a radiator
- hissing radiator
Example sentences
- "The old cast-iron radiator in the corner of the bedroom hissed and clanked like a sleepy dragon as the steam rose." Describing the atmosphere of an old apartment.
- "A crack in the car's radiator caused the coolant to leak, leading to engine overheating on the highway." An automotive maintenance context.
Memory hook
Think of the sun's 'rays' warming you up. A radiator sends out 'rays' of heat into your room. Radiator radiates rays of heat.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to modern forced-air vents or central heating ducts that blow hot air directly.
Fun facts
- The heating radiator was invented in Russia around 1855 by Franz San Galli, a Polish-born inventor living in St. Petersburg.
Related words
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