Nota: La traducción de esta entrada está actualmente en revisión de calidad, por lo que parte del contenido se muestra temporalmente solo en inglés.
Esta entrada aún no se ha traducido a tu idioma, así que se muestra el original a continuación.
stopcock
This term refers to a specific mechanical device used for the immediate isolation of a fluid or gas stream. It carries a technical, utilitarian connotation, typically associated with plumbing, laboratory equipment, or industrial piping systems. While a faucet is designed for dispensing, a stopcock is primarily designed for control and emergency shut-off.
In professional contexts, the word implies a binary state of operation: either fully open or fully closed. It is rarely used in casual domestic conversation unless referring to the main water shut-off valve of a building, where it distinguishes the primary control point from secondary taps.
Meanings
Examples
Turn the stopcock clockwise to shut off the water supply.
The plumber tightened the stopcock to prevent further leaking.
I need to find the stopcock before the basement floods completely.
The technician slowly opened the stopcock to release the gas.
A rusted stopcock can be nearly impossible to turn during an emergency.
Check if the stopcock is fully closed before replacing the pipe.
The old iron stopcock groaned as he forced it shut.