washer

/'wɔʃə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
washer

She loads the washer with a pile of colorful clothes.

Definition
  1. 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.
washer

She loads the washer with a pile of colorful clothes.

Noun
  1. a home appliance for washing clothes and linens automatically
  2. seal consisting of a flat disk placed to prevent leakage
  3. someone who washes things for a living