A device in a chimney or furnace that controls the flow of air or smoke. The damper was adjusted to allow more air into the fireplace.
A person or thing that has a depressing or subduing effect. The sudden rain put a damper on our picnic plans.
A pad that deadens the sound of a piano string. The piano technician replaced the worn-out damper to improve the instrument's sound quality.
A type of bread made from wheat flour, traditionally baked in the coals of a campfire in Australia. We enjoyed a warm slice of damper with our evening stew by the campfire.
A mechanical device that dissipates energy and restrains motion in order to reduce vibrations, such as a shock absorber in vehicles or structures. Viscous dampers were fitted to the bridge cables to control oscillations caused by wind.