thermal sink

[ˈθɜːrməl sɪŋk]
nounpl: thermal sinks
dissipador térmico
1. A device or material designed to absorb and disperse heat away from a heat source to prevent overheating
The CPU requires a thermal sink to maintain optimal operating temperature.
O processador requer um dissipador térmico para manter a temperatura de operação ideal.
2. In thermodynamics, any body or environment that can absorb heat without a significant change in temperature
The ocean acts as a thermal sink for excess atmospheric heat.
O oceano funciona como um dissipador térmico para o calor atmosférico em excesso.
3. A component in cooling systems that increases surface area for heat dissipation
The aluminum thermal sink was attached to the graphics card with thermal paste.
O dissipador térmico de alumínio foi fixado à placa de vídeo com pasta térmica.
This is primarily technical terminology used in computing, electronics, and engineering fields. Both in Brazil and the USA, 'thermal sink' and 'heat sink' are used interchangeably, though 'heat sink' is more common in American English. In Portuguese-speaking countries, 'dissipador térmico' is the standard technical term found in product manuals and engineering documentation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
heat sinkradiatorcooler
Antonyms / Antônimos
heat sourcethermal insulator

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
dissipador térmico
Standard term used in technology and engineering contexts
São Paulo
dissipador de calor
Alternative common variant in technical circles
Portugal
dissipador térmico
Identical to Brazilian usage; standard technical terminology
USA Technical
heat sink
More commonly referred to simply as 'heat sink' in American English

Related Words

thermal pasteheat dissipationcooling systemtemperature regulation

Related Idioms & Phrases

thermal management system
passive cooling solution
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