damper

/ˈdæmpər/
noun
  1. A device that reduces or controls the flow of air, smoke, or heat, especially in a chimney, stove, or furnace.
    • She adjusted the damper on the wood stove to control the fire.
    • The chimney sweep cleaned the damper so smoke could escape freely.
    • A stuck damper in the furnace caused the room to fill with smoke.
  2. Something that makes a situation less enjoyable or less lively; a discouraging or depressing influence.
    • The rain put a damper on our outdoor picnic plans.
    • The news of the layoffs threw a damper on the office party.
    • His negative comments cast a damper over the celebration.
  3. A small metal plate in a piano that stops the vibration of a string when a key is released.
    • The piano technician replaced a worn damper to improve the sound.
    • When you press the pedal, all the dampers lift off the strings.
    • A broken damper caused the note to ring on too long.
  4. A type of simple bread or cake, typically cooked in the ashes of a campfire or in a frying pan, common in Australian and New Zealand cuisine.
    • We made damper over the campfire and ate it with butter and jam.
    • For dessert, they served sweet damper with golden syrup.
    • The bush cook taught us how to bake damper in hot coals.
What does "damper" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean