equalizer

[ee-kwuh-lahy-zer]

noun

1. a person or thing that equalizes.

2. any of various devices or appliances for equalizing strains, pressures, etc.

3. Electricity.,  an electric network of inductance, capacitance, or resistance established between two points in a given network to secure some constant relation, as even attenuation, between the two points.

4. Slang.,  a weapon, as a pistol, blackjack, or switchblade knife.

equalizer

/ ˈiːkwəˌlaɪzə /

noun

1. a person or thing that equalizes, esp a device to counterbalance opposing forces

2. an electronic network introduced into a transmission circuit to alter its response, esp to reduce distortion by equalizing its response over a specified frequency range

3. sport a goal, point, etc, that levels the score

4. slang,  a weapon, esp a gun

equalizer

1. An electronic device made of filters and amplifiers, used to alter the relative strengths of different frequencies in an electronic signal. Equalizers are used primarily in audio equipment, allowing fine-tuning of the signal to compensate for distortions such as weak response or oversensitivity at various frequencies.

2. ◆ A graphic equalizer uses a set of controls that determine the level of boost or suppression of individual frequencies. The controls are usually sliding faders, set up in a row from lowest frequency to highest frequency, so that the final settings resemble a graph of the frequency response of the equalizer.

3. ◆ A parametric equalizer consists of one or more filters whose characteristics can be controlled, such as the frequency to be manipulated, whether to boost or suppress the frequency, the amount of boost or suppression, and how much nearby frequencies are also affected.

Word History and Origins

Origin of equalizer¹

First recorded in 1785–95; equalize + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Again, “Blood Brothers” was great because it was an equalizer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Alanna Kennedy scores a late equalizer off a header in the second minute of stoppage time in Angel City’s 1-1 tie with rival San Diego.

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The inclusion of this material and how Golden utilizes it — with generosity and great openness — is a great equalizer, within the spirit of DIY, punk rock, equality and everything within The Raincoats’ worldview.

Read more on Salon

The Corp. for Public Broadcasting acted as “the great equalizer,” Kahn said, padding the budgets of smaller stations so they could continue operating.

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Food has always served as the great equalizer between power and the people.

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Related Words

• cannon 
• handgun 
• hardware 
• mortar 
• piece 
• pistol 
• revolver 
• rifle 
• shotgun 

When To Use

What else does equalizer mean?

An equalizer levels the playing field or otherwise evens discrepancies out. The term can variously refer to: weapons, score-tying points in sports, a device that modifies sound frequencies, and forces or phenomena that balance out social inequalities.What are some other forms of equalizer?(chiefly British) equaliser