safety valve : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: safety valve	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for safety valve
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
safety valve n a valve in a container in which pressure can build up (as a steam boiler); it opens automatically when the pressure reaches a dangerous level Synonym(s): safety valve, relief valve, escape valve, escape cock, escape
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
{Safety tube} (Chem.), a tube to prevent explosion, or to control delivery of gases by an automatic valvular connection with the outer air; especially, a bent funnel tube with bulbs for adding those reagents which produce unpleasant fumes or violent effervescence. {Safety valve}, a valve which is held shut by a spring or weight and opens automatically to permit the escape of steam, or confined gas, water, etc., from a boiler, or other vessel, when the pressure becomes too great for safety; also, sometimes, a similar valve opening inward to admit air to a vessel in which the pressure is less than that of the atmosphere, to prevent collapse.