vapor lock

noun

: partial or complete interruption of flow of a fluid (such as fuel in an internal combustion engine) caused by the formation of bubbles of vapor in the feeding system

Examples of vapor lock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the nine-day flight, Voyager encountered oil problems, a faulty fuel gauge and finally, yesterday morning, a vapor lock that conked out the rear engine for five minutes. San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vapor lock was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near vapor lock

Cite this Entry

“Vapor lock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vapor%20lock. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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