Word of the Day
6 September 2026
shock absorber
A mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp any sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy; usually consists of a combination of a spring and a dashpot.
Why this one
Strictly it is a damper, since the spring absorbs the shock. The wrong name won the argument about a century ago.
In use
Front end's bouncing all the way down the yard, so pull it in and we'll see if that shock absorber has been leaking oil.
Written by our editors to show how the term is used, not a recorded quotation.Sources
- Definition sourceWiktionary
- Supporting sourceShock absorberWikipedia