Editing Plunger (section)

{{Short description|Tool to clear blockages in drains and pipes}}
{{About|the plumbing tool}}
[[File:Plopper.jpg|thumb|Plumbing plunger in a sink]]

A '''plunger''' is a device driven by or against fluid pressure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dictionary.infoplease.com/plunger|title=Meaning of plunger {{!}} Infoplease|website=dictionary.infoplease.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-11}}</ref> In plumbing, the term plunger commonly refers to handheld tools used to clear blockages in [[plumbing|drains and pipes]]. Plumbing plungers consist of a rubber [[suction cup]] attached to a stick (''shaft'') usually made of wood or plastic. A different [[bellows]]-like design is usually constructed of plastic. Alternate names for plumbing plungers include ''force cup'', ''plumber's friend'' or ''plumber's helper''.<ref>{{Cite web|publisher=Harper Collins Publishing |title=The American Heritage Dictionary entry: plunger |url=https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=plunger |access-date=2017-12-11 |website=www.a dictionary.com}}</ref>

In musical performance, tools called plungers are used to [[mute (music)|mute]] [[trumpet]]s and [[trombone]]s. A plunger may also refer to a component of a device that generates fluid flow, such as in a medical [[syringe]] or a [[French press]] coffee brewer.