radiator

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

|Updated on: 16 Aug 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

Doesn’t that mean that dealers should not be charging for fluids when cars are brought in for oil, radiator, or transmission fluid changes?

— bob weber, Philly.com, "Drive belts don't just fall off in the rain," 7 July 2018
With qualifying rained out, Ryan Preece started on the pole in his Joe Gibbs Camry, but radiator problems put him out early.

— steven cole smith, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Kyle Larson takes Firecracker 250 after wild finish," 7 July 2018
Also working to benefit fuel economy are auto stop-start at idle, active radiator shutters, underbody panels and front air curtain intakes (to settle turbulence at the wheel wells).

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2019 Volkswagen Jetta: 7th generation wide-body reboot," 6 July 2018
The heat from the radiator beneath the win- dow made her damp clothes hot and uncomfortable.

— andrew liptak, The Verge, "The geopolitics of the afterlife get messy in the new sci-fi spy novel Summerland," 17 June 2018
The company even crammed additional fins into the radiator, increasing the surface areas and heat dissipation.

— mark hachman, PCWorld, "Choose your weapon: Asus unveils ROG Strix gaming laptops tuned for shooters or MOBAs," 4 June 2018
Doesn’t that mean that dealers should not be charging for fluids when cars are brought in for oil, radiator or transmission fluid changes?

— bob weber, chicagotribune.com, "Drive belts don't just fall off in the rain," 24 June 2018
The heat produced is distributed throughout the building by sleek radiators painted black, a point of contrast with the mottled interior brick.

— asad syrkett, Curbed, "A Ghent pub and soccer-fan hangout becomes a dream home," 18 June 2018
Sonos says the Beam has four woofers, one tweeter, three passive radiators, and five class-D digital amplifiers built in.

— jeff dunn, Ars Technica, "Sonos launches a new mini soundbar, pegs AirPlay 2 support for July," 6 June 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

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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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