(thing) by Lisrey Sat Jan 13 2001 at 2:30:54
  1. A special type of metal pot with an airtight seal used to cook foods quickly. Water is added to the food to be cooked, the lid is sealed, and the pressure cooker placed on the stove. As the water begins to boil, steam is produced. The lid has a weight at the top, which cleverly covers a vent. When the steam builds up enough, its release will jiggle the weight. This makes a lot of noise, by which a cook can gauge how long the food has been at high pressure. Makes excellent roast.

  2. A very stressful situation, as in "The boss and our clients were all so angry today, the office was a real pressure cooker."

I like it!