Synonyms

generator

American

[jen-uh-rey-ter] / ˈdʒɛn əˌreɪ tər /

noun

a machine that converts one form of energy into another, especially mechanical energy into electrical energy, as a dynamo, or electrical energy into sound, as an acoustic generator.
a person or thing that generates.
Chemistry. an apparatus for producing a gas or vapor.
Mathematics.
1. an element or one of a set of elements from which a specified mathematical object can be formed by applying certain operations.
2. an element, as a line, that generates a figure.
Computers. a program that produces a particular type of output on demand, as random numbers, an application program, or a report.

generator British

/ ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtə /

noun

physics
1. any device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction, esp a large one as in a power station
2. a device for producing a voltage electrostatically
3. any device that converts one form of energy into another form
  
  an acoustic generator
an apparatus for producing a gas
a person or thing that generates

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

generator Cultural

A device that produces electric current (see also current), usually by rotating a conductor in a magnetic field, thereby generating current through electromagnetic induction. This sort of generator produces an alternating current (AC).

Etymology

Origin of generator

1640–50; < Latin generātor producer, equivalent to generā ( re ) ( generate ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many nations are moving to address the dangers of chatbots and image generators -- from misinformation to online abuse and copyright violations -- but few have enacted legislation.

From Barron's

The backup power provider missed earnings expectations for the fourth quarter due to a lack of power outages and lower shipments of home and portable generators.

From Barron's

“There’s been times where I’ve been here cooking, when the power has gone out and a bunch of regulars have gone out back and started working on the generator,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

But there are concerns about the large amounts of water and electricity needed to run them, including from gas-powered generators.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023