Plain English Meaning
A built-in restriction in a line that caps how fast fluid or air can flow through it, so a leak or failure downstream cannot drain a system or damage parts at full speed.
Full Definition
A device installed in a fluid or pneumatic line that restricts the maximum rate at which a fluid or gas can pass through it. In aircraft systems, a flow limiter protects downstream components and structure from excessive flow rates caused by a ruptured line, a failed seal, or a runaway actuator, by holding flow at or below a designed maximum even when upstream pressure is high.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft systems such as oxygen, hydraulic, or other pressurized lines where controlling the amount of flow is important.
Derivation
From 'flow' (the movement of fluid or gas) and 'limiter' (something that sets a maximum). The name describes its job directly: it limits flow.