Airlock: meaning, definitions and examples
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airlock
[ ˈɛrˌlɒk ]
space travel
An airlock is a sealed chamber that allows for the transfer of people or objects between two different environments, typically one that is pressurized and the other that is at a different pressure or vacuum. Airlocks are crucial in space missions, as they enable astronauts to exit their spacecraft into the vacuum of space safely. They prevent the loss of air pressure from the habitable area while allowing for the safe passage of crew and equipment. Airlocks are also used in submarines and certain industrial applications where maintaining pressure is vital.
Synonyms
chamber, locking mechanism, pressure chamber
Examples of usage
- The astronauts entered the airlock before exiting the spacecraft.
- We need to check the airlock for any leaks.
- The airlock maintained pressure while the door was opened.
Translations
Translations of the word "airlock" in other languages:
🇵🇹 câmara de descompressão
🇮🇳 वायु कुंडी
🇩🇪 Luftschleuse
🇮🇩 ruang udara
🇺🇦 повітряна замкова камера
🇵🇱 zamknięcie powietrzne
🇯🇵 エアロック
🇫🇷 écluse à air
🇪🇸 compuerta de aire
🇹🇷 hava kilidi
🇰🇷 공기 잠금 장치
🇸🇦 قفل الهواء
🇨🇿 vzduchová zámka
🇸🇰 vzduchový zámok
🇨🇳 气密室
🇸🇮 zračna zapora
🇮🇸 loftlok
🇰🇿 ауа құлпы
🇬🇪 სუნთქვის კარი
🇦🇿 hava kilidi
🇲🇽 puerta de aire
Word origin
The term 'airlock' originated from the combination of the words 'air' and 'lock'. The word 'air' has its roots in the Old French word 'air', which denotes the atmosphere and the gaseous substance surrounding the Earth. The word 'lock' comes from the Old English 'locc', meaning to enclose or secure. The concept of an airlock emerged in the context of various engineering applications, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as technology advanced and the need for secure environmental transitions became apparent. The first practical airlock designs were implemented in submarine technology, with subsequent adaptations for space exploration, especially during the Cold War when manned space missions became a priority.