deˈmister: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Semi-formal, technical (automotive), everyday (UK).
Quick answer
What does “deˈmister” mean?
A device, typically in a vehicle, that clears condensation or ice from a window.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device, typically in a vehicle, that clears condensation or ice from a window.
Any device or mechanism designed to remove mist or fog from a surface to improve visibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'demister' is the standard, widely understood term for the car's defogger/defroster. In American English, 'defroster' or 'defogger' are standard; 'demister' is understood but rarely used in everyday speech.
Connotations
UK: Neutral, functional. US: May sound slightly British or technical.
Frequency
High frequency in UK automotive contexts; low frequency in US, where 'defroster' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “deˈmister” in a Sentence
Turn on the [demister].The [demister] clears the window.Is the [demister] working?Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in automotive sales or manufacturing.
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Common in UK driving contexts (e.g., 'I had to put the demister on').
Technical
Used in automotive manuals and engineering, primarily in UK/Commonwealth contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “deˈmister”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “deˈmister”
- Spelling: 'demister' not 'demistor'.
- Using 'demister' in US English where 'defroster' is expected.
- Treating it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'use some demister').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is understood but very rarely used. Americans almost always say 'defroster' (for ice) or 'defogger' (for condensation).
A demister is a specific type of heater (usually electric wires in the glass or a directed air vent) designed specifically to clear windows. The general car heater warms the cabin air.
It's possible (e.g., for a mirror in a bathroom), but it is overwhelmingly associated with vehicles, especially cars.
Yes, in British English 'demist' is the related verb (e.g., 'I need to demist the windscreen'). It is less common in American English.
A device, typically in a vehicle, that clears condensation or ice from a window.
Deˈmister is usually semi-formal, technical (automotive), everyday (uk). in register.
Deˈmister: in British English it is pronounced /diːˈmɪstə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /diˈmɪstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DE-MIST-ER. It's a device that takes the MIST away. 'De-' means 'remove', like in 'defrost'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CLEARER or REMOVER of obstacles (fog/mist) to VISION/PERCEPTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'demister' most commonly used for a car's window-clearing device?