washer
/'wɔʃə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A flat ring or disk used to prevent leakage or distribute pressure: A small, flat piece of metal, rubber, or plastic with a hole in the center, placed under a nut, bolt, or joint to create a tighter seal or to prevent damage to surfaces.
- A home appliance for washing clothes: A machine designed to automatically clean laundry items like clothes and linens.
- A person whose job is washing: An individual who washes things professionally, such as laundry or cars.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Sealing Disk):
- The plumber replaced the old, corroded washer in the faucet to stop the drip.
- Always use a washer under the bolt head to prevent it from loosening.
- Noun (Appliance):
- She loaded the dirty clothes into the washer.
- Modern washers are very energy-efficient.
- Noun (Person):
- He worked as a window washer on the city's skyscrapers. (Note: This is a compound noun 'window washer'. The core meaning of 'washer' here is a person who washes.)
Advanced Usage
- "To throw a washer": In some contexts, like machinery, a worn-out washer can be said to be "thrown" if it fails or breaks.
- The pump failed because a washer was thrown from the assembly.
Variants and Related Words
- Washing machine: A more common full term for the laundry appliance. (Compound noun)
- Window washer: A person who cleans windows, especially on buildings. (Compound noun)
- Pressure washer: A high-pressure water sprayer used for cleaning surfaces. (Compound noun)
- Washerless: (Adjective) Describing a faucet or fitting designed to function without a traditional sealing washer.
Synonyms
- Gasket: A flat sheet or ring used as a seal, similar to a washer.
- Launderer: A person who washes clothes, especially professionally.
- Cleaner: A general term for a person or machine that cleans.
Related Phrases
- Washer-dryer: A single appliance that both washes and dries clothes. (Compound noun)
- Lock washer: A specific type of washer designed to prevent a nut from loosening. (Compound noun)
Related Idioms
- To have a face like a washer: (Informal, regional) An idiom describing someone who looks very sad, gloomy, or displeased.
- He came in with a face like a washer after hearing the bad news.
Noun
- a home appliance for washing clothes and linens automatically
- seal consisting of a flat disk placed to prevent leakage
- someone who washes things for a living