WordGarden.ionozzle
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɒzəl/
US
- /ˈnɑzəl/
Meanings
Noun
a fitted outlet that directs or controls the flow of liquid or gas
Beyond the definition
A nozzle is a specially shaped end part of a hose, pipe, spray can, or machine. It controls how a liquid or gas comes out by directing it, narrowing it, or spreading it. If you have ever adjusted a garden hose to make a soft spray or a strong stream, you have used one.
Nozzles are common in everyday life. A spray bottle uses one to make a mist, a fuel pump uses one to send fuel into a tank, and a vacuum cleaner often has one to focus suction. The shape matters: a wide one spreads the flow, while a narrow one sends it out in a more focused way.
A nozzle is the shaped end part of a pipe, hose, tube, or machine that controls how a liquid, gas, or fine spray comes out. It is made to direct the flow, change its speed, or change its pattern. In some cases, it turns the flow into a mist or a narrow jet.
You can find this kind of part in many places. A garden hose has one to change water from a soft spray to a stronger stream. A spray can or spray bottle has one to release paint, cleaner, or perfume in a fine mist. Fire hoses use special nozzles to control strong streams of water. Fuel pumps and some engines also use them to guide fuel where it needs to go. Rocket engines use carefully designed nozzles to send hot gases out at very high speed.
The shape of this part is what makes it useful. A wider opening can spread the flow over a larger area, while a narrower opening can make it more direct and forceful. Some are adjustable, so you can change the pattern or amount of flow while using them. In ordinary English, the word usually refers to this physical part of a device rather than to anything figurative or abstract.
Examples
- 1
Spray safety
Point the nozzle away from your face before you spray it.
- 2
Garden hose
The garden hose has an adjustable nozzle, so you can choose a fine mist or a strong stream.
- 3
Clogged bottle
The bottle stopped working because the nozzle was clogged.
- 4
Gas station
At the gas station, put the nozzle back in the pump when you finish.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Firefighting
The firefighter aimed the hose nozzle at the base of the flames.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nozzlenoun
Forms
- nozzlespluralnoun