airlock

/ˈɛrlɑk/
noun
  1. A sealed chamber that allows passage between areas of different air pressure, such as in a spacecraft or submarine.
    • The astronauts entered the space station through an airlock.
    • The submarine's airlock must be sealed tightly before diving.
    • He checked the airlock pressure before opening the inner door.
  2. A bubble of air trapped in a pipe or pump that blocks the flow of liquid.
    • The plumber removed an airlock from the water pipe.
    • We had to bleed the radiator to get rid of the airlock.
    • An airlock in the fuel line caused the engine to stall.
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