carburetor

plural carburetors · alternative UK carburetter · alternative UK carburettor · alternative obsolete carbureter

1. CanadaUSA device in an internal combustion engine where fuel is vaporized and mixed with air prior to ignition.First known use 1890s

   Synonyms: carb, carby

2. obsoleteA device for enhancing illuminating gas by mixing in carbon-rich fuel.First known use 1860s

   Second, the employment of a current of air between the carburettor and the tube leading to the burner, is described. The Mechanics' Magazine, July 25, 1862.

3. slangdrugsA water pipe or bong; a device or contrivance for mixing air with burning cannabis or cocaine.First known use 1970s

   Variations on the bong included air-driven pipes, electric pipes, ice pipes (chillers), mask pipes, chamber pipes, and carburetor pipes.

   1989, United States International Trade Commission, Importation of certain drug paraphernalia into the United States, page 8

   1 more example

   Some pipes feature a “carburetor,” which is a small hole in the air chamber located past the bowl. The carburetor is held shut while the bowl is being lit and the smoke drawn.

   2008, Dale Gieringer, Ed Rosenthal, Gregory Carter, Marijuana Medical Handbook, page 172