Firestop

/ˈfaɪərˌstɑp/ noun

Definition

A material or system installed in gaps and openings in buildings to prevent fire and smoke from spreading between rooms or floors.

Etymology

Compound of 'fire' and 'stop' (Old English 'stoppian'), a modern architectural and safety term that emerged with 20th-century building codes.

Kelly Says

Firestop materials are usually silicone-based compounds that actually expand when exposed to fire, sealing gaps—it's like a chemical barrier that only activates during the emergency it was designed to prevent!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.