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

When OpenTable didn’t work, the AI agent turned to a free AI voice generator tool to call the restaurant and complete the booking.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are also importing more generators in order to cope with longer blackout periods as engineers try to repair damage.

From BBC

Volodymyr said he planned to sleep in a local school for a few days, which has a generator to keep it warm.

From BBC

The company also plans to add about 120 workers in Alabama, where it builds electrical components for generators.

From The Wall Street Journal

Everyone can benefit from backup power in the event of an outage, but just 14% of American households own a generator.

From The Wall Street Journal