intermittentmachine
nounUK /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt məˈʃiːn/
US /ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt məˈʃiːn/
A machine that stops and starts again and again instead of running all the time.
The old pump was an intermittent machine that worked for a minute, then rested.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A device that operates only at irregular intervals.
The sprinkler is an intermittent machine that waters the lawn in short bursts.
3. A mechanical system that alternates between working and resting phases.
Engineers studied the intermittent machine to understand its rest periods.
4. Any apparatus whose power turns on and off repeatedly.
The flashing sign is an intermittent machine that blinks every few seconds.