The Collaborative International Dictionary
CO2 extinguisher \CO2 extinguisher\ (s[=e]"[-o]*t[=oo]` [e^]ks*t[i^][ng]"gw[i^]sh*[~e]r), a device for suppressing fire, consisting of a steel cylinder containing compressed carbon dioxide, which may be released by pressing on a handle. The release of the gas is usually accomplished through a hose attached to a funnel-shaped vent which is directed at the base of the fire, and when released, part of the carbon dioxide is chilled sufficiently to solidify into a powder. The large quantity of inert carbon dioxide released on top of a small fire is usually sufficient to exinguish the flame by excluding oxygen, and the cooling effect also helps drive the temperature of the combustible material below that required to support compustion. It is used in situations where putting water on the fire might cause undesirable damage.
Extinguisher \Ex*tin"guish*er\, n. One who, or that which, extinguishes; esp., a hollow cone or other device for extinguishing a flame, as of a torch or candle.
fire extinguisher a portable device designed to deliver chemicals, usually in a stream, that can suppress or extinguish a fire. Examples of fire extinghuishers are a carbon dioxide extinguisher, or CO2 extinguisher, and soda-acid extinguisher.
Usage examples of "co2 extinguisher".
His engine still running, he quickly maneuvered his truck to the shoulder and jumped out, bringing his light red CO2 extinguisher.
Smith, meanwhile, had ushered the others from the still smoke-filled, eye-watering, throat-irritating atmosphere of the radio room into the comparatively purer air of the passageway beyond, and was waiting the return of Schaffer when his face became suddenly thoughtful at the sight of some fire-fighting gear -- a big CO2 extinguisher, buckets of sand and a fireman's axe -- on a low platform by the passage wall.
He found a CO2 extinguisher and sprayed it, probably to cool it off.
Scott pulled the CO2 extinguisher handle discharging white foam to battle the flaming engine, set down the landing gears to ventilate the wheel housing.