bomba
nounCEFR B2
What does “bomba” mean in English?
pump — a mechanical device for moving liquid or gas
pump — a mechanical device for moving liquid or gas (bomba de agua/extracción; bomba de calor)
Example sentences
La bomba de extracción de agua quedó inutilizada tras las inundaciones, dejando sin suministro a varios municipios.
The water extraction pump was rendered unusable after the floods, cutting off supply to several municipalities.
Las bombas de calor son una alternativa más eficiente a las calderas de gas para la climatización de edificios.
Heat pumps are a more efficient alternative to gas boilers for building climate control.
La policía tuvo que desalojar el área comercial tras encontrar un artefacto que resultó ser una bomba.
Police had to evacuate the shopping area after finding a device that turned out to be a bomb.
How to use it
La bomba (noun, feminine) has two distinct B2 meanings: (1) a pump — a device for moving liquid or gas (bomba de agua/calor/extracción), and (2) a bomb — an explosive device. Both are productive at B2. Core collocations for pump sense: bomba de calor, bomba de combustible, bomba centrífuga. For bomb sense: bomba atómica, atentado con bomba. Context disambiguates.
Common mistake
Don't assume bomba always means 'bomb' — the pump sense is equally frequent in technical contexts. 'Bomb disposal' = artificieros/desactivación de bombas. 'Bombshell' (news) = bombazo. 'Bomba' in Latin America can also refer to a petrol station.