Definition of: throttle

(throt′l) noun
1. The throat or windpipe.
2. Mech. A valve controlling the supply of steam to a steam engine, or of vaporized fuel to the cylinders of an internal–combustion engine: also throttle valve.
3. The lever which operates the throttle valve: also throttle lever.
—v.t. ·tled, ·tling
1. To press or constrict the windpipe or throat of; strangle; choke or suffocate.
2. To silence, stop, or suppress by or as by choking.
3. To reduce or shut off the flow of (steam, or fuel in an internal–combustion engine).
4. To reduce the speed of by means of a throttle; slow down.
—v.i.
5. To suffocate; choke. [Dim. of ME throte throat]
—throt′tler noun