A shaped piece of rubber, cork, or other material used to seal joints between mechanical parts. Prevents leakage of fluids or gases.
Originally a nautical term from French 'garcette,' meaning a small rope or cord used to secure sails. The mechanical sealing sense developed in the 19th century as steam engines required better sealing technology.
The phrase 'blow a gasket' comes from early automotive engines where a failed gasket would cause dramatic steam explosions and engine failure. Modern gaskets seem simple but are marvels of engineering - head gaskets in car engines must withstand thousands of explosions per minute while maintaining perfect seals.
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