vapor lock

noun

: partial or complete interruption of flow of a fluid (such as fuel in an internal combustion engine) caused by the formation of bubbles of vapor in the feeding system

Examples of vapor lock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During the nine-day flight, Voyager encountered oil problems, a faulty fuel gauge and finally, yesterday morning, a vapor lock that conked out the rear engine for five minutes. San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vapor lock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vapor lock was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near vapor lock

Cite this Entry

“Vapor lock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vapor%20lock. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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