generator

American  

[jen-uh-rey-ter] / ˈdʒɛn əˌreɪ tər /

noun

1. 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.

2. a person or thing that generates.

3. Chemistry. an apparatus for producing a gas or vapor.

4. 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.

5. Computers. a program that produces a particular type of output on demand, as random numbers, an application program, or a report.

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generator British  

/ ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtə /

noun

1. 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

2. an apparatus for producing a gas

3. a person or thing that generates

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generator Cultural  

1. 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).

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Etymology

Origin of generator

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

Example Sentences

The department has warned against using gas stoves, grills and generators indoors, saying power outages can increase the risks of carbon monoxide exposure.

From Los Angeles Times

The department also cautioned people from using gas stoves, grills and generators indoors because power outages can increase the risks of carbon monoxide exposure.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the first consumer-focused AI video generator that could make compelling video clips that also included sound, like dialogue.

From Barron's

No longer the generator of cheesy poems or erroneous arguments, AI can draft quality movie scripts rivaling Hollywood’s greatest writers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many Ukrainians rely on power banks and generators as a back-up, and the sound of generators in the capital is now more constant than the air raid warnings.

From BBC