Definition

A substance, often a liquid, that is used to remove heat from a system, such as an engine, to keep it from overheating.

Example

The mechanic added coolant to the car's radiator to prevent the engine from overheating.

Conversation

I think my car is overheating; I might need to check the coolant.

Yeah, that could be the problem!

Do you know how to add more coolant if I need it?

It's pretty easy, just make sure the engine is cool before you open the cap.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coolant → It is formed from "cool" (from Old English "ceald", meaning not warm) and "-ant" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating an agent or something that performs a function). The word "coolant" refers to a substance that cools something down.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes things 'not warm' ('cool') and the '-ant' means it performs a function. A coolant is a substance that cools.

Visually Confused Words