air-lance

1 of 2

transitive verb

: to remove (as clinkers from a boiler wall) by means of a stream of air under pressure

air lance

2 of 2

noun

: a device (as a nozzle) used in air-lancing

Word History

First Known Use

Transitive Verb

circa 1956, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air-lance was in 1905

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near air-lance

air lance

air-lance

airland

Cite this Entry

“Air-lance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air-lance. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!