Blowtorch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blowtorch

[หˆbloสŠtษ”หrtสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

tool for heating

A blowtorch is a tool that produces a hot flame, typically used for soldering, brazing, and cutting metals. It creates a controlled flame by mixing a fuel gas, like propane or acetylene, with oxygen. Blowtorches are commonly used in metalworking, construction, and maintenance applications.

Synonyms

flame torch, torch, welding torch.

Examples of usage

  • The technician used a blowtorch to weld the metal pieces together.
  • Blowtorches are essential for plumbers when soldering pipes.
  • He carefully aimed the blowtorch at the metal to melt it.
  • The workshop was filled with the sound of blowtorches during the construction.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The blowtorch was invented in the late 19th century, with variations seen in earlier welding tools.
  • Originally, these devices used kerosene as fuel before the transition to more efficient gases like propane and acetylene.

Science

  • The temperature of a typical blowtorch flame can exceed 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,646 degrees Celsius).
  • Oxy-acetylene blowtorches can reach even higher temperatures, allowing for the cutting and welding of thick metals.

Pop Culture

  • Blowtorches have been featured in numerous films, often in dramatic scenes highlighting their intense flames.
  • In DIY and crafting communities, blowtorches are popular tools for tasks like caramelizing sugar or crafting with glass.

Safety

  • Due to the extreme temperatures produced, proper safety gear is crucial when using a blowtorch to prevent burns or fires.
  • It's important to use blowtorches in well-ventilated spaces to avoid inhaling harmful fumes from the burning gases.

Artistry

  • Artists use blowtorches for metal sculpture work, shaping materials with precision and creativity.
  • The technique of glassblowing often involves blowtorches to create intricate designs and forms.

Origin of 'blowtorch'

The word 'blowtorch' originates from the combination of 'blow,' from the Old English 'blฤwan,' meaning 'to blow or breathe,' and 'torch,' from the Latin 'torca,' meaning 'twisted or twisted object.' The term started being used in English to describe a device that produces a flame in the late 19th century. Blowtorches became popular during the industrial revolution when there was a growing need for heating metals for various applications. Over the years, advancements in gas and oxygen torch technology have allowed for more efficient and powerful blowtorches, enhancing their prevalence in a wide range of industries from construction to automotive repair.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,357, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.