safety valve
UK /ˈseɪftɪ ˌvælv/ · US /ˈseɪfti ˌvælv/ noun
Forms safety valves safety valving safety valved safety-valve
- noun A valve set to open at a pressure below that at which a container holding a gas, vapour, etc. (such as a boiler or pressure cooker), would burst, thus reducing the pressure; a relief valve.
- noun (by extension) A valve set to close a container holding a gas or vapour to prevent excessive loss of pressure.
- noun (figuratively) Any mechanism offering relief from physical or emotional pressure or tension.
- noun (US, law) A United States law, codified at 18 United States Code §3553(f), authorizing a judge to disregard mandatory minimum sentences for some criminals with few or no prior offenses.
Synonyms
Etymology
From safety + valve.
See safety-valve.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “safety valve”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details