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Meaning & use

insulation

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˌɪnsjuˈleɪʃn/
US/ˌɪnsəˈleɪʃn/

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    Material used to stop heat, sound, or electricity from passing through.

    Grammar: No plural: insulation. Use a piece of insulation for one piece.

    Patterns

    • add insulation
    • install insulation
    • insulation in something
    • a layer of insulation

    The builder added insulation to the attic.

    Good insulation keeps the house warm in winter.

    The insulation around the wires had worn away.

  2. noununcountable

    The act or process of covering something to stop heat, sound, or electricity from passing through.

    Grammar: Often used in the phrase insulation of: the insulation of pipes.

    Patterns

    • insulation of something
    • the insulation process

    Insulation of the roof took two days.

    The insulation of electrical cables is important for safety.

  3. noununcountablefigurative

    The state of being protected from outside influences or unpleasant effects.

    Grammar: Often followed by from: insulation from reality.

    Patterns

    • insulation from something

    His wealth gave him a kind of insulation from everyday problems.

    The team's insulation from criticism led to bad decisions.

Common combinations

thermal insulation
Thermal insulation reduces heat loss.
electrical insulation
Electrical insulation prevents shocks.
add insulation
We added insulation to the walls.
layer of insulation
A layer of insulation was placed under the floor.

Synonyms and how they differ

lagging
Lagging is a British term for material that wraps pipes or tanks; insulation is the more general word.
padding
Padding is soft material used for comfort or protection; insulation is specifically for blocking heat, sound, or electricity.

Word family

insulate verb
To cover something to stop heat, sound, or electricity from passing through.
insulated adjective
Protected with a material that stops heat, sound, or electricity.
insulator noun
A material that does not allow heat or electricity to pass through easily.

Commonly confused: insulation or isolation?

insulation vs isolation

Isolation means being alone or separated; insulation means material that blocks heat, sound, or electricity.

Practice

The cold room needs better ______.

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