safety valve
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (1)
- a valve in a container in which pressure can build up (as a steam boiler); it opens automatically when the pressure reaches a dangerous levelSynonyms: relief valveescape valveescape cockescapeType of valve, regulator
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
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.
From the entry Safety chain.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54