shock absorber

noun

, Machinery.

1. a device for damping sudden and rapid motion, as the recoil of a spring-mounted object from shock.

shock absorber

noun

1. any device designed to absorb mechanical shock, esp one fitted to a motor vehicle to damp the recoil of the suspension springs

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock absorber¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Women are being sent to prison essentially as a punishment for being poor and falling into debt - they are the shock absorbers of poverty.

From BBC

For example, Fe3Al could be used to 3D print structural parts that can act as shock absorbers for seismic activity.

From Science Daily

These findings also call for revising the role of molecular unfolding, updating the traditional view that it functions as a mechanosensor and a shock absorber when molecules unfold under external force.

From Science Daily

The oligoethylene glycol units act as a type of shock absorber that adjusts to the appropriate length to make certain the shapes can fit together in a near-perfect manner.

From Science Daily

Volkswagen used to import shock absorbers from Central Europe for cars it makes at Chinese factories.

From New York Times

Related Words

• suspension system