Throttling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'throttle' comes from the Old English 'þrot,' meaning throat, referencing control of flow.
• Initially, it referred to a valve that controls fuel or air supply to an engine or machinery.
• In the 19th century, 'throttling' was used in steam engines to manage speed and performance.

Technology

• In computer networks, throttling is used to limit data transmission speed to prevent overload.
• Streaming services often use throttling to manage bandwidth and ensure smoother playback, especially during peak times.
• Throttling can occur in mobile data plans to control usage and avoid exceeding limits, affecting video quality.

Psychology

• Throttling can be a metaphor for how individuals manage their emotions, such as controlling anger or excitement.
• In stress management, learning to throttle your responses can help in maintaining calm in challenging situations.
• The concept relates to self-regulation, where one intentionally slows down reactions to make more reasoned choices.

Pop Culture

• The term has been popularized in discussions about internet service providers and their practices in controlling bandwidth for users.
• In action movies, 'throttling' can refer to characters speeding up or slowing down situations to create tension or drama.
• Video games often incorporate throttling mechanics, allowing players to control pace for strategic advantage.

Science

• Engineers use throttling in thermodynamics to explain how controlling the flow of fluids affects energy efficiency.
• In ecology, throttling conceptually applies to predator-prey dynamics, where the populations are controlled by available resources.
• Airflow throttling is critical in aerospace engineering, impacting aircraft performance and fuel consumption.

At rank #25,711, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25708 meshed
• 25709 insufferable
• 25710 overstatement
• 25711 throttling
• 25712 dimness
• 25713 cushioning
• 25714 officialdom
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