insulate

[in-suh-leyt, ins-yuh-] /ˈɪn səˌleɪt, ˈɪns yə-/
verb (used with object), insulated, insulating.
1.
to cover, line, or separate with a material that prevents or reduces the passage, transfer, or leakage of heat, electricity, or sound:
to insulate an electric wire with a rubber sheath; to insulate a coat with down.
2.
to place in an isolated situation or condition; segregate.
Origin
1530-40; < Latin insulātus made into an island. See insula, -ate1
Related forms
noninsulating, adjective
preinsulate, verb (used with object), preinsulated, preinsulating.
reinsulate, verb (used with object), reinsulated, reinsulating.
superinsulated, adjective
uninsulated, adjective
well-insulated, adjective
Examples from the web for insulate
  • They also help protect and insulate the body and its internal organs.
  • Test how well different fabrics insulate from the cold.
  • The answer is to reduce usage for existing homes and insulate them.
  • The inch-thick pipes help insulate plants from desert heat.
  • Yes, they can be poisoned by politics, but there are methods to insulate undue influence.
  • Also insulate energy-critical indoor surfaces, such as warm air ducts and hot water pipes.
  • Fourth, you need to insulate the tank to minimize heat loss.
  • It was used to insulate cables on newly developed radar devices.
  • All you can do is insulate yourself and your children from its effects.
  • If you're not in the market for a new water heater anytime soon, insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss.
British Dictionary definitions for insulate

insulate

/ˈɪnsjʊˌleɪt/
verb (transitive)
1.
to prevent or reduce the transmission of electricity, heat, or sound to or from (a body, device, or region) by surrounding with a nonconducting material
2.
to isolate or detach
Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin insulātus: made into an island
Word Origin and History for insulate
v.

1530s, "make into an island," from Latin insulatus, from insula (see insular). Sense of "cause a person or thing to be detached from surroundings" is from 1785. Electrical/chemical sense of "block from electricity or heat" is from 1742. Related: Insulated; insulating.