radiator
UK: ˈreɪdiˌeɪtə | US: ˈreɪdiˌeɪtər
n. a device for heating a room or engine by radiating heat from hot water or steam
n. a cooling device in vehicles or machinery that dissipates heat through fluid circulation
radiator = radi<ray> + ator<noun suffix indicating agent or device>
- radi<ray>: From Latin radius (ray, spoke), referring to the emission or spread of heat in rays.
- ator<noun suffix>: Latin -ator, denoting an agent or tool performing an action (e.g., "generator").
Etymology Origin:
The word radiator emerged in the 19th century, combining radi- (from radius, reflecting heat’s ray-like dispersion) with -ator to describe a device that emits or manages heat. Initially used for steam-heating systems, it later extended to automotive cooling systems, retaining the core idea of controlled heat transfer.
The radiator in my apartment keeps the room warm during winter.
The car’s radiator overheated after a long drive in the desert.
Engineers designed a more efficient radiator for the new engine model.
She placed wet clothes on the radiator to dry them quickly.
A cracked radiator can lead to coolant leaks and engine damage.