choke

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a coil of low resistance and high inductance used in electrical circuits to pass direct current and attenuate alternating current
  2. noun a valve that controls the flow of air into the carburetor of a gasoline engine
  3. verb breathe with great difficulty, as when experiencing a strong emotion

Etymology

From Middle English choken (also cheken), from earlier acheken, from Old English āċēocian (“to choke”), probably derived from Old English ċēoce, ċēace (“jaw, cheek”), see cheek. Cognate with Icelandic kok (“throat”), koka (“to gulp”). See also achoke.

In classic literature

Synonyms

choke coil, choking coil

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