damper

views updated May 23 2018

damp·er / ˈdampər/ • n. a person or thing that has a depressing, subduing, or inhibiting effect: another damper on reactor development was the problem of safeguards. ∎  Mus. a pad that silences a piano string. ∎  a device for reducing mechanical vibration, in particular a shock absorber on a motor vehicle. ∎  a movable metal plate in a flue or chimney, used to regulate the draft and so control the rate of combustion.PHRASES: put a damper on have a depressing, subduing, or inhibiting effect on: he put a damper on her youthful excitement.