boiler

[boi-ler] /ˈbɔɪ lər/
noun
1.
a closed vessel or arrangement of vessels and tubes, together with a furnace or other heat source, in which steam or other vapor is generated from water to drive turbines or engines, supply heat, process certain materials, etc.
Compare fire-tube boiler, water-tube boiler.
2.
a vessel, as a kettle, for boiling or heating.
3.
British. a large tub in which laundry is boiled or sterilized.
4.
a tank in which water is heated and stored, as for supplying hot water.
Origin
1530-40; boil1 + -er1
Related forms
boilerless, adjective
Examples from the web for boiler
  • Wire racks hold the dishes in a boiler while a hand-operated pump shoots sudsy water at them.
  • But when you need a new boiler, you kind of have to have it right now.
  • Use a heavy nonreactive pan that conducts heat evenly or a double boiler.
  • The rusted boiler rests opposite the paddle wheels, almost aligned with the bottles.
  • Place it in the top of a double boiler over simmering water.
  • Melt first three ingredients in top of double boiler.
  • Combine the oil of rosemary, almond oil, glycerin and lanolin in the top pan of a double boiler.
  • Melt wax and chocolate chips together in a double boiler.
  • My job is a pot-boiler, and doesn't provide a lot of satisfaction.
  • The boiler doesn't provide enough pressure to reach the last floor.
British Dictionary definitions for boiler

boiler

/ˈbɔɪlə/
noun
1.
a closed vessel or arrangement of enclosed tubes in which water is heated to supply steam to drive an engine or turbine or provide heat
2.
a domestic device burning solid fuel, gas, or oil, to provide hot water, esp for central heating
3.
a large tub for boiling laundry
4.
a tough old chicken for cooking by boiling
Word Origin and History for boiler
n.

1540s, agent noun from boil (v.). Meaning "vessel for boiling" is from 1725; steam engine sense is from 1757.

Slang definitions & phrases for boiler

boiler

Related Terms

potboiler