safety valve
noun
a device that, when actuated by a gas or vapor pressure above a predetermined level, opens and allows the gas or vapor to escape until its pressure is reduced to a pressure equal to or below that of the predetermined level.
Compare relief valve.
a harmless outlet for emotion, tension, etc.
Origin of safety valve
First recorded in 1805–15
Words nearby safety valve
safety net,
safety pin,
safety razor,
safety squeeze,
safety touch,
safety valve,
safety-deposit,
safety-deposit box,
safety-pin,
saffian,
safflower
Example sentences from the Web for safety valve
British Dictionary definitions for safety valve
safety valve
noun
a valve in a pressure vessel that allows fluid to escape when a predetermined level of pressure has been reached
a harmless outlet for emotion, energy, tension, etc