Definition

A part of a boiler that heats steam to a higher temperature than its boiling point, which helps to improve efficiency and prevents the steam from turning back into water.

Example

The engineer explained how the superheater increases the efficiency of the steam engine.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a superheater in steam engines?

Yeah, I think it's supposed to make them more efficient, right?

Exactly! It heats the steam beyond its saturation point to prevent condensation.

That sounds really interesting; I didn't know that was how it worked!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Superheater → It is formed from "super-" (meaning above or beyond) and "heater" (from Old English "hætere", meaning one who heats). The word "superheater" refers to a device that heats something beyond the normal temperature.

Memory Tip

Think of something that heats 'beyond' ('super-') the usual level — that's what a superheater does.

Visually Confused Words