air lock etymology

Etymology:

The term "air lock" has its roots in two primary sources:

  • "Air": Referring to the presence of a gaseous atmosphere or region.
  • "Lock": From the Latin word "clavis," meaning "key" or "fastening."

Meaning:

An air lock is a specialized chamber or compartment designed to allow for the passage of people or materials between two areas with different air pressures without compromising the pressure differential.

Origin:

The concept of air locks can be traced back to the early days of diving and submarine technology:

  • Early Diving: In the 16th century, diving bell designs incorporated air locks to allow divers to enter and exit the bell while maintaining a constant atmospheric pressure inside.
  • Submarine Technology: In the 19th century, submarines required air locks to facilitate the safe entry and exit of crew members while maintaining the internal air pressure.

Over time, the use of air locks expanded to other applications, including:

  • Aerospace: Air locks are used in spacecraft to create artificial atmospheres and provide safe access to outside environments.
  • Industrial: Air locks are used in manufacturing facilities, laboratories, and other settings to separate different atmospheric conditions or prevent contamination.
  • Medical: Air locks are used in hyperbaric chambers to create high-pressure environments for therapeutic purposes.

air lock relate terms

  • aorta

    Etymology Greek ἀορτή aortē Meaning The main artery that carries oxygenat

  • loft

    Etymology Middle English loft from Old Norse lopt floor of a barn Proto Germanic

  • lock

    Etymology The word lock comes from the Old English word loc meaning a closed place

  • slot

    Etymology The word slot originated from the Old Norse word slátr meaning a bar or

  • aloft

    Etymology Old English aloft in the air on high From Proto Germanic aluft in the

  • combination

    Etymology The English word combination comes from the Latin word combinatio which is

  • pneumatic

    Etymology The word pneumatic is derived from the Greek word pneumatikos meaning re

  • loft

    Etymology Middle English loft from Old Norse lopt floor of a barn Proto Germanic

  • aerobic

    Etymology Aerobic comes from the Greek words aēr ἀήρ meaning air bios

  • warlock

    Etymology The word warlock derives from Old English wærloga which means oath break

  • salty

    Etymology The word salty comes from the Old English word sealt which means salt T

  • salon

    Etymology The word salon derives from the Old French word salon which in turn comes