gasket
noun /ˈɡæskɪt/
/ˈɡæskɪt/
- a flat piece of rubber, etc. placed between two metal surfaces in a pipe or an engine to prevent steam, gas or oil from escaping
- The engine had blown a gasket (= had allowed steam, etc. to escape)
- (figurative, informal) He blew a gasket at the news (= became very angry).
Word Originearly 17th cent.: perhaps from French garcette ‘thin rope’ (originally ‘little girl’), diminutive of garce, feminine of gars ‘boy’.