Insulating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insulating

[หˆษชnsjสŠหŒleษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

material

Designed to prevent heat or electricity from passing through, often used in construction or engineering for insulation purposes.

Synonyms

isolating, protective, thermal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insulating

Used when talking about materials or actions that prevent the transfer of heat, sound, or electricity.

  • The walls of the house are insulated to keep the warmth inside.
  • We used insulating tape to prevent the wires from touching.
thermal

Used in relation to heat, especially when describing clothing, devices, or phenomena that involve heat retention or production.

  • During winter, people often wear thermal underwear to stay warm.
  • Thermal energy from the sun is harnessed using solar panels.
protective

Used to describe actions or things designed to shield from harm or injury.

  • Wearing protective gloves is essential while handling chemicals.
  • Mother bears are very protective of their cubs.
isolating

Used when referring to actions or conditions that involve separating someone or something from others, often for privacy, protection, or social reasons.

  • She needed some time alone, so she isolated herself in her room.
  • Scientists have isolated the virus to study it in a controlled environment.

Examples of usage

  • Insulating foam is commonly used in walls to keep buildings warm in winter.
  • The insulating properties of the material make it ideal for protecting electrical wires.
Context #2 | Verb

process

The act of protecting or covering something with a material that prevents heat or electricity from passing through.

Synonyms

envelope, protect, shield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insulating

Used when referring to materials or actions that prevent the transfer of heat, electricity, or sound.

  • Many people use double-glazed windows for insulating their homes
  • The company produces high-quality insulating foam
protect

Used to describe actions or measures taken to keep someone or something safe from harm.

  • Parents often protect their children from danger
  • Sunscreen is used to protect the skin from UV rays
shield

Often used in a more specific or intense context where something or someone is being guarded or defended, sometimes in a physical or metaphorical way.

  • Soldiers used shields to protect themselves in battle
  • The new firewall shields the network from cyber attacks
envelope

Commonly used to describe an outer covering, especially in the context of containing something or enclosing something.

  • The letter was slipped into a white envelope before being mailed
  • The spacecraft's heat shield was protected by a specialized envelope

Examples of usage

  • The workers were insulating the pipes to prevent heat loss.
  • She insulated the attic to improve energy efficiency.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Materials with low thermal conductivity, like wood and fiberglass, are often used for insulation because they slow down the transfer of heat.
  • There are different types of insulation, such as thermal insulation to keep heat in and acoustic insulation to keep noise out.

Architecture

  • Insulation plays a critical role in energy efficiency within buildings, affecting heating and cooling costs.
  • Modern building codes require insulation in new homes for better temperature control and energy conservation.

Cultural Significance

  • Insulating materials often reflect a culture's approach to energy use, influencing how homes are built in various climates.
  • In many countries, traditional building methods incorporate natural insulating materials, such as straw or clay, showcasing local practices.

Environment

  • Good insulation helps reduce energy consumption, which is crucial for fighting climate change.
  • Eco-friendly insulation options include recycled materials, which not only provide good thermal properties but also help decrease waste.

Origin of 'insulating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'insulatus', meaning 'to make in a manner similar to an island', highlighting how insulation creates a protective barrier.
  • It first appeared in English usage in the early 19th century, as technology to keep buildings warm began to develop.

The word 'insulating' comes from the verb 'insulate', which originated in the mid-16th century from the Latin word 'insulatus', meaning 'made into an island'. This reflects the idea of isolating or separating something, which later evolved to mean protecting or covering with a material to prevent the flow of heat or electricity.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,226, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.