Word: Weather Stripping
Definition:
Weather stripping is a narrow strip of material that is used to cover the space between a door or window and its frame. Its main purpose is to keep out cold air, rain, dust, and noise. By sealing these gaps, weather stripping helps to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Usage Instructions:
You can install weather stripping around doors and windows where you notice drafts or leaks. It is available in different materials, such as foam, rubber, or vinyl, and can easily be cut to fit the size of your door or window.
Example Sentence:
"We installed weather stripping on the front door to prevent the cold air from coming in during winter."
Advanced Usage:
In addition to doors and windows, weather stripping can also be used on garage doors, attic hatches, and even some appliances to improve their efficiency and keep them insulated.
Word Variants:
- Weatherstrip (verb): To install weather stripping.
Example: "We need to weatherstrip the windows to keep the house warm." - Weatherproofing (noun): The process of making a building resistant to the effects of weather, which often includes using weather stripping.
Different Meaning:
While "weather stripping" primarily refers to the material used for sealing gaps, the concept can also relate to any method used to protect something from weather damage, such as coating a surface to prevent water damage.
Synonyms:
- Sealant
- Insulation strip
- Draft stopper
- Caulk (in some contexts, though caulk is typically used for filling larger gaps)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- "Seal the deal": This idiom means to finalize an agreement or make something official. While it does not relate directly to weather stripping, it shares the idea of sealing something. - "Close the gap": This phrase means to reduce the difference between two things, similar to how weather stripping closes the gap between a door or window and its frame.