coupling
KUP-ling
/ˈkʌp.lɪŋ/
A short fitting used to join two straight sections of pipe, tube, or shaft coaxially.
Refers specifically to inline end-to-end connectors rather than direction-changing fittings like elbows.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'coupler', derived from Latin 'copulare' meaning 'to bind or join together'. The engineering sense of an inline mechanical pipe sleeve emerged during the expansion of municipal gas line distribution.
Word relationships
- sleeve: A sleeve is a simple outer cylinder pushed over a joint; a coupling usually includes threaded or clamped lock rings.
- union: A union can be disassembled easily without turning the pipes, whereas a simple coupling requires cutting or unscrewing.
Commonly confused with
- nipple: A nipple is a short pipe segment with external male threads; a coupling has internal female threads to receive pipes.
Word family
- couple (verb): To connect or join together.
Collocations
- flexible coupling
- pipe coupling
- compression coupling
- quick-connect coupling
Example sentences
- "The pipefitter slipped a flexible rubber coupling over the cut PVC ends to reconnect the damaged line." Pipe assembly
- "A magnetic coupling allows power transmission through the sealed pump wall without physical mechanical contact." Industrial drives
Memory hook
A COUPLE is two things joined together; a COUPLING joins two pipes. Joins two pipes inline.
When not to use
Do not use when describing branching components like tees or cross manifolds.
Fun facts
- Quick-disconnect couplings were developed for military aircraft in World War II so ground crews could swap fuel lines in under ten seconds.
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