Incinerator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
incinerator
[ษชnหsษชnษreษชtษ ]
Definition
waste disposal
An incinerator is a device or facility that burns waste materials at high temperatures to reduce them to ash and gases. It is commonly used as a method of waste disposal or to generate energy from waste. Incineration reduces the volume of waste and can minimize the impact on landfills.
Synonyms
burner, thermal oxidizer, waste-to-energy plant.
Examples of usage
- The city built a new incinerator to handle increasing waste.
- Incinerators are often equipped with pollution control technologies.
- After the fire, the debris was sent to an incinerator.
- Many communities rely on incinerators for waste management.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Environmental Impact
- Things burned in incinerators reduce waste volume by 90%, saving space in landfills.
- They can generate energy through the heat produced, turning waste into a resource.
- However, they can release pollutants, making them a controversial part of waste management.
Technology
- Modern incinerators are equipped with advanced air pollution control systems to minimize smoke emissions.
- They vary in design based on the type of waste they process โ medical, industrial, or municipal.
Cultural References
- Incinerators have appeared in literature and films as symbols of waste or destruction, like in dystopian themes.
- In popular culture, they sometimes represent finality, emphasizing the irreversible nature of destruction.
Safety and Regulations
- Incineration plants are heavily regulated to protect the environment and public health from harmful emissions.
- Operation guidelines ensure that the burning process is safe and efficient, preventing accidents.
Origin of 'incinerator'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'incinerare', meaning 'to make into ash'.
- It first appeared in English around the mid-20th century, reflecting modern waste management techniques.
The word 'incinerator' originates from the Latin term 'incinerare,' meaning 'to reduce to ashes.' It is formed from 'in-' (meaning 'into') and 'cinerare' (to make ashes), which further derives from 'cinis,' meaning 'ash.' The term began appearing in English around the early 20th century as waste disposal technologies developed. With the rise of urban waste management challenges, incinerators became essential for cities to manage refuse efficiently. The evolution of incineration techniques has also focused on reducing emission levels and increasing energy recovery, making it an important topic in environmental discussions.