Percolator: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

percolator

 

[ˈpərkəˌlātər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

coffee making

A percolator is a type of brewing device that uses water to extract flavors from coffee grounds. It operates by boiling water in the bottom chamber, which then rises through a tube to the upper chamber where the coffee grounds are placed. The hot water seeps through the coffee, and the brewed coffee flows back down into the bottom. This process can be repeated multiple times to achieve a desired strength. Percolators were commonly used before drip coffee makers became popular.

Synonyms

brewer, coffee maker, coffee pot.

Examples of usage

  • I brewed my morning coffee using a percolator.
  • Many campers prefer percolators for making coffee outdoors.
  • The percolator produced a rich and robust flavor.
  • He inherited his grandmother's old percolator.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'percolare', meaning 'to strain through', which directly relates to how it brews coffee.
  • The term 'percolator' first appeared in English in the early 19th century, signifying an innovative shift in coffee-making methods.

History

  • The first percolator was patented in 1810, marking the beginning of a new era in coffee brewing.
  • By the late 19th century, the percolator became increasingly popular as it allowed for a stronger coffee taste.

Pop Culture

  • Percolators were a household staple in many American kitchens from the 1930s to the 1960s, often featured in movies and TV shows depicting family life.
  • The sound of coffee percolating has been nostalgically referenced in various songs and films, evoking warmth and comfort.

Science

  • The brewing process involves thermodynamics; as water heats up, it creates steam that forces the water up a tube and through the coffee grounds.
  • Brewing temperature and time can influence the flavor, with ideal percolation typically occurring at about 200°F and for 5-10 minutes.

Psychology

  • Many people find the smell of brewing coffee to be uplifting, associating it with comfort and productivity.
  • The act of making coffee using a percolator can create a ritualistic experience, enhancing satisfaction and engagement in the day’s activities.

Translations

Translations of the word "percolator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 percolador

🇮🇳 पेरकोलेटर

🇩🇪 Perkolator

🇮🇩 perkolator

🇺🇦 перколятор

🇵🇱 perkolator

🇯🇵 パーコレーター

🇫🇷 percolateur

🇪🇸 percolador

🇹🇷 perkolatör

🇰🇷 퍼콜레이터

🇸🇦 موصل القهوة

🇨🇿 perkolátor

🇸🇰 perkolátor

🇨🇳 滴漏咖啡壶

🇸🇮 perkolator

🇮🇸 perkolator

🇰🇿 перколятор

🇬🇪 პერკოლატორი

🇦🇿 perkolator

🇲🇽 percolador

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,544 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.