The correct spelling of the word "distributor cap" is /dɪˈstrɪbjʊtər kæp/. The first syllable is pronounced as "di-" with a short "i" sound, followed by "struh" and "byoo-tuh", with the stress on the second syllable. The final syllable, "kæp", is pronounced like "cap". A distributor cap is an important component of a car's ignition system, responsible for routing high voltage electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.
A distributor cap refers to a key component found in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine. Specifically, it is a round, protective cover fabricated from a non-conductive material such as plastic or rubber. The distributor cap is positioned at the top of the distributor, which is a central device responsible for delivering high-voltage electrical current to the spark plugs in the correct firing order.
The main function of the distributor cap is to evenly distribute the high-voltage electrical charge received from the ignition coil to each spark plug in the engine. Inside the cap, there are several metal contacts, one for each spark plug. These contacts are connected to the spark plug wires, which ultimately deliver the electrical charge to the spark plugs.
As the distributor rotor spins within the cap, it passes by each contact, allowing the electrical charge to transfer through the rotor and then to the appropriate spark plug wire. This sequential transfer ensures that each spark plug receives the electrical charge at the precise moment it is required for ignition. This synchronized firing of the spark plugs is crucial for the proper operation and performance of the engine.
Over time, the distributor cap can become worn or damaged due to electrical arcing, corrosion, or heat. When this occurs, it can lead to misfires, engine hesitation, or even engine failure. Regular inspection, maintenance, and potential replacement of the distributor cap are recommended to ensure the continued reliable operation of the ignition system and overall engine performance.
The word "distributor cap" is composed of two parts: "distributor" and "cap". Here is the etymology of each part:
1. Distributor: The word "distributor" comes from the Latin word "distributus", which is the past participle of the verb "distribuere". "Distribuere" combines "dis" (meaning "apart" or "away") with "tribuere" (meaning "to assign" or "to distribute"). The term originally referred to someone who distributed or allocated something.
2. Cap: The word "cap" has a broader etymology. It comes from the Latin term "cappa", which referred to a cloak or hood. Over time, "cap" started being used with a specific meaning of a head-covering.