AIRLOCK Meaning and
Definition
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An airlock is a confined, controlled, and pressurized chamber or compartment that serves as a buffer zone between two areas of differing atmospheric conditions. It is primarily designed to prevent the uncontrolled flow of air or gases between these two areas, while still facilitating the controlled passage of people, vehicles, or objects.
Typically found in spacecraft, submarines, laboratories, industrial facilities, or hospitals, an airlock consists of two airtight doors or hatches that are never opened simultaneously. The doors are designed to open and close in sequence, ensuring that one door always remains closed while the other is open. This mechanism preserves the integrity of the atmosphere in each space.
The primary purpose of an airlock is to maintain a stable environment within the controlled spaces it separates. By preventing the mixing of gases, an airlock minimizes the risk of contamination, pressure differentials, temperature changes, or the escape of hazardous substances. In certain cases, airlocks also serve as a safety precaution by preventing the entry of unwanted or unauthorized individuals into secure areas.
Furthermore, airlocks are crucial for the effective and controlled movement of personnel, equipment, or supplies between areas with distinct atmospheric conditions. This is particularly important in environments where maintaining specific temperatures, humidity levels, or air compositions is critical to the functioning of machinery or the health and safety of individuals.
Common Misspellings for AIRLOCK
Etymology of AIRLOCK
The word "airlock" originates from the combination of two separate words: "air" and "lock".
The term "air" has its roots in the Old English word "ær", which was derived from Proto-Germanic. It refers to the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the Earth, which humans and other organisms breathe.
The word "lock" has a different etymological origin, stemming from the Old English word "loc", which is related to the Old High German word "loch", meaning "a hole". Originally, it referred to a device used for fastening or securing something.
When these two words are combined, "airlock" refers to a device or mechanism that is specifically designed to prevent the passage of air between two areas, often used in spaceships, submarines, or other confined environments to maintain the pressure or atmosphere within those areas.
Similar spelling words for AIRLOCK
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