Seals or packing materials placed between surfaces to prevent leakage of fluids or gases; plural of gasket.
From 'gasket,' possibly from Dutch 'gasket' or French 'garcette' (a rope), originally nautical equipment, later applied to mechanical seals in the 1600s-1800s.
A single failing gasket can cause an engine to blow a head gasket, demonstrating how this humble rubber or metal ring is absolutely critical to modern mechanical performance—a small part with enormous consequences.
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