For example, I am intending to purchase an iCloud locked phone to use for parts. Would calling the phone a “donor” be appropriate in such a context?
1 Answer
Yes, that is perfectly normal usage across wide areas of the US.
A donor car is effectively a vehicle that is bought to plunder for parts to use towards a kit car project. Depending on what parts are included with the kit, important parts such as the engine, running gear and chassis may be needed, as well as smaller detailing parts such as trim, brightwork, interior and wheels.
I would add that is normally used in the context of a specific project. And it normally means there are several parts or a major assembly to be pilfered.
An electronics example "donor computer" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9RJ_RK9WQ4
answered Dec 2, 2021 at 21:11
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I think in the UK it would be more usual to say you "bought it for spares" or "got it for spares", but it's an obvious metaphor.– Stuart FCommented Dec 2, 2021 at 21:56
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Buying for spares implies you don't know which parts you need, just that you expect to need some in the future. Donors are purchased to supply a specific need. You normally spend a good bit of time and effort assessing the donor to ensure it has everything you need and the quality is adequate. Commented Dec 2, 2021 at 22:06
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In the UK rail industry, sometimes a locomotive or other piece of equipment such as a coach or wagon that needs repair is instead kept for spares, especially if the fleet is aging and parts are hard to find. Such a donor item is often called a 'Christmas tree'. Commented Dec 2, 2021 at 22:55
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@Stuart F It's true that, when describing a car (or any other complex product) which has been acquired for its componenrs it is referred to as "having been bought for spares". However when talking about that product or parts derived ftom that product it would be common to refer to it as "the donor vehicle (or computer or wahing machine". For instance we might say "The donor vehicle was written off after a crash but it had only done 8000 miles so the engine was in very good condition. The recipient vehicle had done 150000 miles so the ngine from the donor car was in far better condition.– BoldBenCommented Dec 2, 2021 at 23:40
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Obtaining parts from another vehicle is called cannibalization.– XanneCommented Dec 3, 2021 at 1:37