boiler

Everyday

1. A boiler is a machine in a house or building that heats water for taps, baths and radiators. tree →
2. A boiler is a big closed tank where water is heated to make steam, as in a steam engine. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a boiler heats the house; when it breaks, there is no hot water. In safety lessons: boilers need checking, as a broken one can leak carbon monoxide, a poison gas with no smell, which is why homes have alarms. In history and science steam engines and trains had huge boilers. Phrase: «boiler suit» (overalls).

Examples

• Our boiler broke, so we had cold showers. tree →
• The plumber came to fix the boiler. tree →
• Steam trains have a big boiler to make steam. tree →
• A carbon monoxide alarm is fitted near the boiler. tree →
• The boiler is in the kitchen cupboard. tree →
• Dad wore a blue boiler suit to paint the shed. tree →

Note

Countable: a boiler, boilers. From «boil». In the US, «furnace» or «water heater» is also used.