What is "dash-pot"

dashpot \dash"pot`\, dash-pot \dash-pot\(d[a^]sh"p[o^]t`), n. (Mach.) a mechanical damping device containing a piston that moves in a fluid-filled chamber to serve as a pneumatic or hydraulic cushion for a falling weight, as in the valve gear of a steam engine, to prevent shock.

Note: It consists of a chamber, containing air or a liquid, in which a piston (a), attached to the weight, falls freely until it enters a space (as below the openings, b) from which the air or liquid can escape but slowly (as through cock c), when its fall is gradually checked.

Note: A cataract of an engine is sometimes called a dashpot.

n. a mechanical damper; the vibrating part is attached to a piston that moves in a chamber filled with liquid