Damper

English Meaning

That which damps or checks; as: (a) A valve or movable plate in the flue or other part of a stove, furnace, etc., used to check or regulate the draught of air. (b) A contrivance, as in a pianoforte, to deaden vibrations; or, as in other pieces of mechanism, to check some action at a particular time.

1. One that deadens, restrains, or depresses: Rain put a damper on our picnic plans.
2. An adjustable plate, as in the flue of a furnace or stove, for controlling the draft.
3. Music A device in various keyboard instruments for deadening the vibrations of the strings.
4. Music A mute for various brass instruments.
5. A device that eliminates or progressively diminishes vibrations or oscillations, as of a magnetic needle.