airlock

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɛərlɒk/

Definition

A compartment with two airtight doors that allows passage between areas of different air pressure.

Examples

• The crew waited in the airlock while the outer hatch was secured.

• A malfunction in the airlock prevented the divers from returning to the surface safely.

• Engineers designed a specialized airlock to maintain the sterile environment of the laboratory.

Synonyms of airlock

Words with a similar meaning to airlock:

• chamber
• vestibule
• decompression chamber

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