IPA: /ˈbloʊˌɔf/
KK: /bloʊɔf/
An object or mechanism that releases gas or air, often used to prevent pressure buildup.
The blowoff valve released excess steam from the boiler.
The word 'blowoff' is formed from 'blow' (from Old English 'blāwan', meaning to emit air or breath) and 'off' (meaning away or from). The term describes the act of releasing or emitting something away, often used in contexts like blowing off steam or dismissing something.
Think of 'blowing' something 'away' — that's what 'blowoff' means, to release or dismiss something.