carburetor
/ˈkɑɹb(j)əˌɹeɪtɚ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.82 in modern English
14
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
4
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A device in an internal combustion engine where fuel is vaporized and mixed with air prior to ignition.
Canadian usage; American usage
noun
A water pipe or bong; a device or contrivance for mixing air with burning cannabis or cocaine.
Slang
Example Sentences
- "Second, the employment of a current of air between the carburettor and the tube leading to the burner, is described. The Mechanics' Magazine, July 25, 1862."
- "Variations on the bong included air-driven pipes, electric pipes, ice pipes (chillers), mask pipes, chamber pipes, and carburetor pipes."
- "Some pipes feature a “carburetor,” which is a small hole in the air chamber located past the bowl. The carburetor is held shut while the bowl is being lit and the smoke drawn."
Etymology
Attested from 1862, from carburet (“enrich an illuminating gas with carbon-rich fuel”) + -or. The motor vehicle sense is attested since 1896
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈkɑɹb(j)əˌɹeɪtɚ/
- British English: /ˈkɑːb(j)əˌɹɛtə/