English

Two types of household plungers (used for removing blockages).

Noun

plunger ‎(plural plungers)

1. A device that is used to remove blockages from a toilet or sink by suction.
2. The internal piece of a syringe that pushes out or pulls in any contents.
3. The sliding activator of an exploder, an electrical generator used to trigger electrical detonators such as blasting caps.
4. The part of a cafetière that is pushed down to remove grounds from coffee.
5. One who plunges; a diver.
6. A device similar to a piston but without a mechanism; a long solid cylinder used, instead of a piston or bucket, as a forcer in pumps.
7. The moving portion of solenoid.
8. (pinball) The spring-loaded assembly that propels the ball onto the table.
9. (dated, slang) A reckless gambler.
10. (pottery) A boiler in which clay is beaten by a wheel to a creamy consistency.

    (Can we find and add a quotation of Knight to this entry?)

11. (firearms) The firing pin of a breechloader.

Synonyms

• (device): plumber's helper (colloquial), plumber's friend (colloquial)

Derived terms

• autoplunger

Translations

Old French

Verb

plunger

1. (Anglo-Norman) Alternative form of plongier

Conjugation

This verb conjugates as a first-group verb ending in -er. In the present tense an extra supporting e is needed in the first-person singular indicative and throughout the singular subjunctive, and the third-person singular subjunctive ending -t is lost. In addition, g becomes j before an a or an o to keep the /dʒ/ sound intact. Old French conjugation varies significantly by date and by region. The following conjugation should be treated as a guide.