Definition

A person or machine that treats rubber with heat and chemicals to make it stronger and more durable.

Example

The vulcanizer repaired the tire by applying heat to the rubber.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a vulcanizer in action?

No, I haven't. What does it do exactly?

It's used to treat rubber, making it more durable and elastic.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know that about rubber.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vulcanizer → It is formed from "Vulcanus" (the Roman god of fire and metalworking) and the suffix "-izer" (meaning to make or to cause to be). A vulcanizer is someone or something that makes or treats rubber by a process associated with heat, named after the god of fire.

Memory Tip

Think of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan, who is associated with heat and metalworking, to remember that a vulcanizer is someone who treats rubber using heat.

Visually Confused Words