Meaning & use
ejector
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Meanings
nouncountable
A part in a machine that pushes something out, such as a spent cartridge from a gun or a seat from an aircraft.
Grammar: Countable: one ejector, two ejectors. Usually used with of: the ejector of a rifle.
Patterns
- the ejector of something
- an ejector in something
- an ejector seat
The ejector in the rifle threw the empty case to the side.
The pilot pulled the handle and the ejector seat fired.
A broken ejector can cause the gun to jam.
nouncountabletechnical
A device that uses a jet of steam or water to pump out air or liquid.
Grammar: Countable; common in engineering contexts.
Patterns
- a steam ejector
- a water ejector
- an ejector pump
The steam ejector removes air from the condenser.
An ejector pump moves the liquid out of the tank.
The engineer checked the ejector for blockages.
Word forms
| plural | ejectors |
|---|
Common combinations
- ejector seat
- The ejector seat saved the pilot's life.
- ejector pump
- The ejector pump failed, causing a flood.
- steam ejector
- A steam ejector is used to create a vacuum.
- ejector mechanism
- The ejector mechanism needs regular cleaning.
Synonyms and how they differ
- extractor
- Extractor is more common for devices that pull something out, especially in medical or mechanical contexts; ejector emphasizes forceful pushing out.
- expeller
- Expeller is rare and often refers to a machine that presses out oil or liquid; ejector is the usual word for cartridges or seats.
Word family
Commonly confused: ejector or injector?
ejector vs injector
An injector puts fuel or liquid into an engine, while an ejector pushes something out.
Practice
The pilot activated the ______ seat when the engine failed.
Choose one answer.
Ejector seat is the correct term for a seat that throws the pilot out. Injector is for putting fuel in, projector shows images, and rejector is not a common word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ejector”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.