noun a chamber with controlled pressure used to allow passage between areas of differing air pressure
In marine engineering, an air lock is a chamber used to prevent water from entering a submerged vessel when crew members enter or exit.
An air lock is a device used in spacecraft to maintain the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the spacecraft when entering or exiting.
In scuba diving, an air lock refers to a pocket of air trapped underwater, often in a cave or wreck, that can be used by divers to take a break and decompress.
Air locks are used in medical facilities to control airflow and prevent the spread of contaminants between different areas, such as in operating rooms or isolation units.
In science fiction writing, an air lock may be used to describe a device or chamber used to maintain pressure in a spacecraft or space station.
Astronauts use air locks when exiting and entering spacecraft during spacewalks to maintain the pressure inside the craft.
Engineers working in aerospace industries may design air locks for spacecraft or space stations to ensure proper pressurization and safety.
Scientists studying habitats in extreme environments, such as underwater or in space, may use air locks to transition between different pressure zones.
Architects designing buildings in flood-prone areas may incorporate air locks as a safety feature to prevent water from entering the structure.
Commercial divers may use air locks to safely transition between underwater habitats and surface environments while maintaining proper pressure levels.