air lock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air lock" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to engineering, space travel, or environments where maintaining a controlled atmosphere is necessary. Example: "The spacecraft's air lock ensures that the internal environment remains stable when astronauts exit into space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Woods clean the air, lock up carbon and reduce flooding.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new air lock gives space station residents more freedom.

The New York Times

She rinsed her bloody glove and went into the air lock.

The New Yorker

The mantrap functions like the air lock on a spaceship or a submarine.

The New Yorker

The second add-on, Kvant 2, carried additional life-support systems and a large air lock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Zamyatin commandeered a landing module and kamikazied himself out of the air lock yester-day.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

These have two or three air-lock chambers, divided by thick plastic curtains.

The New York Times

Eventually you come upon a doorway with a white air-lock portal, which opens onto another corridor that splits off in two directions.

The New York Times - Magazine

When Reagan arrived, the air-lock-like door swooshed and everyone stood up, bumping into each other and knocking over chairs in the confusion.

The New York Times

Second, they would build "shelter-in-place areas," large, secure rooms with air-lock entrances that commuters could dash into should chemical or biological agents be detected.

The New York Times

The chemical lab, like its germ counterpart, has a small steel air-lock door through which samples are passed and the surrounding material decontaminated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications, use precise language to specify the "air lock's" dimensions, pressure capabilities, and materials to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "air lock" interchangeably with terms like "door" or "entrance". An "air lock" has a specific function of maintaining pressure or preventing contamination, unlike a regular entryway.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air lock" functions as a compound noun, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its role in describing a physical component or a system designed for pressure or contamination control. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "air lock" is a compound noun commonly used to describe a chamber that regulates pressure or prevents contamination between different environments. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse sources, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. Its neutral register and descriptive function make it valuable for clear communication in technical and general contexts alike. Best practices involve using precise language and avoiding confusion with similar terms, while related phrases like "pressure chamber" offer alternative ways to convey similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressure chamber

Focuses on the pressure aspect of the enclosure, rather than the control of air.

isolation chamber

Emphasizes the separation and containment function of the space.

sealed compartment

Highlights the airtight nature of the enclosed space.

transition zone

Focuses on the function as a passage between two areas.

decontamination unit

Highlights purpose of removing contaminants rather than preventing air loss.

controlled environment enclosure

More technical term referring to isolation of an environment.

hermetic seal

Focuses on the airtight property.

environmental barrier

Emphasizes the function of preventing contamination exchange.

double door system

Focuses on the structural component of the "air lock".

vestibule entry

Highlights the entrance aspect, focusing on a small space between doors.

FAQs

How is an "air lock" used in space travel?

In space travel, an "air lock" serves as a specialized compartment that allows astronauts to safely transition between the pressurized environment of a spacecraft and the vacuum of space, maintaining internal atmospheric conditions.

What's the purpose of an "air lock" in a cleanroom environment?

In cleanrooms, an "air lock" acts as a buffer zone, minimizing the introduction of contaminants when personnel or materials enter or exit the controlled environment.

What are some alternative terms for "air lock"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "air lock" include "pressure chamber", "isolation chamber", or "sealed compartment".

Where can I find examples of "air lock" usage in scientific literature?

You can find examples of "air lock" usage in scientific literature within articles discussing controlled environments, space exploration, and engineering designs for specialized chambers.