stuffing box

American  

noun

Machinery.

1. a device for preventing leakage of gases or liquids along a moving rod or shaft at the point at which it leaves a cylinder, tank, ship hull, etc.

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stuffing box British  

noun

1. Also called: packing box.  a small chamber in which an annular packing is compressed around a reciprocating or rotating rod or shaft to form a seal

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Etymology

Origin of stuffing box

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

The stuffing box should be cool or only slightly warm to the touch.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Sure, I check the packing, replace it regularly and watch the stuffing box when I run up," he says.

From Time Magazine Archive

A stuffing box commonly employs a packing nut to compress the packing material around the shaft.

From Time Magazine Archive

That was once a problem�before the stuffing box was invented to prevent water from entering the hole, or shaft log, where the shaft exits the hull.

From Time Magazine Archive

If the gland is a fit upon the piston rod and in the stuffing box, moving the gland in and out of the stuffing box will be an admirable test of the guide-bar adjustment.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua