radiator

Everyday

1. A radiator is a flat metal heater, usually under a window, that warms a room when hot water or steam flows through it. tree →
2. A radiator is also the part at the front of a car engine that keeps the engine cool. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life radiators heat homes and classrooms in the UK, Ireland and other cold places; people dry gloves on them and children are warned they can be hot. In science radiators show heat transfer: they warm the air by convection and radiation. Phrases: «turn up the radiator», «bleed the radiator», «car radiator».

Examples

• Put your wet gloves on the radiator to dry. tree →
• The radiator in our classroom is very hot, so don't lean on it. tree →
• Dad bled the radiator because it was cold at the top. tree →
• Warm air rises from the radiator and moves round the room. tree →
• The car stopped because the radiator leaked. tree →
• Turn the radiator down; it's boiling in here. tree →
• The cat loves sleeping on the radiator shelf. tree →
• Our old house has big iron radiators. tree →

Note

Countable: «a radiator». From «radiate» (to send out heat or light). Despite the name, most of a home radiator's heat moves by convection, not radiation. In American English a «heater» is often used for room heaters.