The Collaborative International Dictionary
Pump \Pump\, n. [Akin to D. pomp, G. pumpe, F. pompe; of unknown origin.] An hydraulic machine, variously constructed, for raising or transferring fluids, consisting essentially of a moving piece or piston working in a hollow cylinder or other cavity, with valves properly placed for admitting or retaining the fluid as it is drawn or driven through them by the action of the piston.
Note: for various kinds of pumps, see Air pump, Chain pump, and Force pump; also, under Lifting, Plunger, Rotary, etc.
Circulating pump (Steam Engine), a pump for driving the condensing water through the casing, or tubes, of a surface condenser.
Pump brake. See Pump handle, below.
Pump dale. See Dale.
Pump gear, the apparatus belonging to a pump.
--Totten.
Pump handle, the lever, worked by hand, by which motion is given to the bucket of a pump.
Pump hood, a semicylindrical appendage covering the upper wheel of a chain pump.
Pump rod, the rod to which the bucket of a pump is fastened, and which is attached to the brake or handle; the piston rod.
Pump room, a place or room at a mineral spring where the waters are drawn and drunk. [Eng.]
Pump spear. Same as Pump rod, above.
Pump stock, the stationary part, body, or barrel of a pump.
Pump well. (Naut.) See Well.
Usage examples of "pump handle".
Curtis climbs onto the foot-high wooden platform surrounding the wellhead, grips the pump handle with both hands, and works it as if it were a jack.
Joe Bob said, putting the pump handle on automatic and stepping over the hose.
Kayan was in the kitchen, working the pump handle up and down to refill the jug they kept on the counter, but her arms were so frail she couldn't get up any speed and nothing was coming out of the spout.
Frantically, Hunley slammed the pump handle back and forth, ordering Park to blow the aft tank in a desperate effort to increase the buoyancy.
He beckoned, and a Slovak came to start energetically working the pump handle.
His manner was courteous and his skill at the pump handle a pleasure to behold.
He took off his shirt and they all sat down and watched as he lathered his torso with a large block of White Windsor and sluiced his head and neck by working the pump handle by the side of the sink.