Definition

A device used in engineering to heat a material before it undergoes another process.

Example

The factory installed a preheater to improve the efficiency of the production line.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a preheater in action?

Not really, what does it do?

It warms up materials before they go through another process.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know that was a thing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preheater → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "heater" (from Old English "hætere", meaning one that heats). The word "preheater" refers to a device that heats something before it is used or processed.

Memory Tip

Think of something that heats 'before' ('pre-') it is used — that's what a preheater does.

Visually Confused Words