Pronunciation: [snˈʌbə] (IPA) 
The word "snubber" is spelled with two consonants that can cause confusion: "b" and "p". However, the correct spelling is "snubber" [ˈsnʌbər], with a "b" sound. The "b" is preceded by the letter "u" which makes a short vowel sound [ʌ]. The word is both a noun and a verb, often used in engineering terms where a snubber is a device used to absorb energy or to reduce vibrations. Remember to spell it with a "b" sound, not a "p" sound!
A snubber refers to a device or component used in electrical engineering to control and limit voltage spikes or transients in electrical circuits. It is designed to protect sensitive electronic components, such as semiconductors or relays, from damage caused by sudden voltage surges.
The primary purpose of a snubber is to suppress or dampen the abrupt changes in voltage that occur when a switch or relay is opened or closed, or when an electric motor or solenoid is turned off. These instantaneous voltage spikes, known as transients or voltage overshoots, can potentially cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) and stress on the circuit, leading to premature failure or malfunction of the components.
A snubber circuit typically consists of a combination of resistors, capacitors, and/or diodes strategically connected across the load or the switching device in the circuit. By appropriately choosing the values of these components, the snubber circuit can absorb or redirect the transient energy, ensuring that the voltage changes smoothly and without exceeding the safe operating limits of the circuit.
Different types of snubbers exist, such as RC snubbers, RCD snubbers, or diode snubbers, each designed for specific applications and circuit requirements. The selection of an appropriate snubber depends on considerations like the voltage rating, current, switching frequency, and load characteristics.
In summary, a snubber is an electrical component or circuit that is integrated into an electrical system to mitigate voltage spikes and transients, safeguarding the integrity and longevity of sensitive components.
The word "snubber" can be traced back to the 16th century. Its etymology can be divided into two parts:
1. "Snub": The word "snub" is derived from the Old Norse word "snubba", which means "to scorn or mock". By the 15th century, "snub" was used in English to refer to a slight or disregard. It later developed the meaning of "to rebuff or reject".
2. "-er": The suffix "-er" is a common English suffix that is added to verbs or nouns to form nouns denoting a person or an object associated with the base word.
Therefore, "snubber" combines the meaning of "to rebuff or reject" (snub) with the suffix "-er" to create a noun denoting a person or object associated with snubbing or rejecting.
