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Noun: plunger  plún-ju(r)
  1. Hand tool consisting of a stick with a rubber suction cup at one end; used to clean clogged drains
    "He tried to clear the sink blockage with a plunger";
    - plumber's helper [N. Amer], plumber's friend
     
  2. Mechanical device that has a plunging or thrusting motion
    "The engine's plungers moved up and down in their cylinders";
    - piston
     
  3. Someone who dives (into water)
    "The plunger entered the water with barely a splash";
    - diver
     
  4. Someone who risks losses for the possibility of considerable gains
    "The plunger invested heavily in the volatile stock market";
    - speculator

Derived forms: plungers

Type of: adventurer, gambler, hand tool, mechanical device, swimmer, venturer

Part of: reciprocating engine

Encyclopedia: Plunger