radiator

noun ra·di·a·tor \ ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tər , dialectal ˈra- \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of radiator

: one that radiates: such as

a : any of various devices (such as a series of pipes or tubes) for transferring heat from a fluid within to an area or object outside

b : a transmitting antenna

See radiator defined for English-language learners

See radiator defined for kids

Recent Examples of radiator from the Web

Scrap radiators and condensers reportedly were stolen March 25 from a yard at Arlington Collision, 407 N. Salem Ave.

— elizabeth owens-schiele, chicagotribune.com, "Arlington Heights police: Chicago teenager charged with manufacture, delivery of cocaine in village," 2 Apr. 2018
Your radiator may have a problem with an air valve.

— ronda kaysen, New York Times, "A Hissing Radiator and Sleepless Nights," 20 Jan. 2018
The air will be forced through the radiator at the side of the car, creating more efficiency and more crushable zone for the safety of drivers in case of side impacts.

— george sipple, Detroit Free Press, "Five things to know about the new 2018 IndyCar," 16 Jan. 2018
The prop team even built era-appropriate radiators for the scenes in Boston, *and* created a working printing press for the famous Print Shop—which is the same set that was used for the apothecary.

— mehera bonner, Marie Claire, "On Set with 'Outlander': Go Behind the Scenes of the Show's Sexiest Season Yet," 7 Aug. 2017
Hidden behind radiator covers are dozens of fan coils that blow geothermal heat.

— sharon otterman, New York Times, "The New, Green Pride of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Is Underground," 14 Mar. 2018
The 8-inch model has a slightly smaller speaker than its 10-inch sibling (1.75-inch versus 2-inch), but both are 10W and have a dual passive radiator.

— valentina palladino, Ars Technica, "Lenovo’s new Google Assistant smart display can play YouTube videos," 9 Jan. 2018
And thanks to bitter temps, harsh winds, and dry radiator heat, your skin might be looking for a little (read: huge) break.

— lauren swanson, Allure, "Dermstore's Winter Essentials Sale Features All These Best of Beauty Winners," 18 Jan. 2018
The oven was on in Patricia Elcock’s apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan because the radiators were cold — and a window in her 10-year-old grandson’s room would not close all the way.

— james barron, New York Times, "For Many Public Housing Residents, It’s Cold Inside, Too," 5 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'radiator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of radiator

1836

RADIATOR Defined for English Language Learners

radiator

noun

Definition of radiator for English Language Learners

: a large, metal device that is next to the wall in a room and that becomes hot and provides heat for the room when hot water passes through it
: a device that is used to keep the engine of a vehicle from getting too hot