Definition
ablator
noun
- a material that ablates (erodes or vaporizes) when exposed to extreme heat, used especially on spacecraft to protect against reentry temperatures
Usage: technical; aerospace engineering
Examples
- The spacecraft's heat shield was coated with an ablator to withstand reentry temperatures.
- Engineers selected a carbon-based ablator for the rocket's nose cone.
- The ablator on the capsule gradually wore away as it descended through the atmosphere.
- Modern ablators are designed to dissipate heat through controlled erosion.
- The ablator material protected the crew compartment during the fiery reentry.