What does radiator mean?
A radiator is a device that transfers heat into the surrounding air. In buildings, radiators are commonly connected to a hot-water or steam heating system and warm rooms through a combination of convection and radiant heat. In cars and other vehicles, the radiator is part of the engine cooling system: coolant flows through it, giving up heat before returning to the engine. The word is standard in British and American English, although British speakers use radiator particularly often for room heating while American speakers may prefer heater. Radiator can also be used figuratively for someone or something perceived as spreading warmth, charm, or energy, though this sense is less common. The term comes from the same Latin root as radiate, radiant, and radiation, reflecting the movement of heat or light outward from a source.
nounA device that transfers heat to the surrounding air, especially a hot-water or steam-powered appliance used to heat a room. In vehicles, it is the component of the cooling system that removes heat from the engine coolant.
- A device that emits or transfers heat to warm a room or other space, often using hot water or steam.
- A component in a vehicle engine's cooling system that transfers heat from the coolant to the outside air.
- A person or thing figuratively described as radiating heat, light, warmth, or some other quality.
"The old cast-iron radiator warmed the room with a gentle heat."
"The radiator was cold because the heating system had not yet come on."
"Check the radiator cap and coolant level before starting the engine."
The standard plural is radiators.
"The installers fitted new radiators in every room."
Its name promises radiating heat, yet a typical room radiator warms a room mostly through convection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does radiator come from?
Radiator entered English in the early 17th century, formed from radiate with the suffix -or. Radiate comes from Latin radiare, meaning “to radiate” or “emit rays,” which derives from radius, meaning “ray” or “spoke.” The word originally referred to a heating apparatus and later became established for the vehicle engine-cooling component.
How radiator is actually used
Radiator is standard in both British and American English. In British English, it is especially common for a room-heating appliance, whereas American speakers more often say heater for that; radiator is standard for the vehicle cooling-system component in both varieties. The figurative sense is relatively uncommon and literary.