router

¹

[rou-ter]

noun

1. any of various tools or machines for routing, hollowing out, or furrowing.

2. Also called router plane. Carpentry.,  a plane for cutting interior angles, as at the bottom of a groove.

3. a machine or tool for cutting into or below a main surface, as of a die or engraving plate.

verb (used with object)

1. to cut with a router.

router

²

[roo-ter, rou-]

noun

1. a person or thing that routes.

2. a piece of hardware or software having a specific IP address and connected to network nodes for the transfer of data between computers.

router

¹

/ ˈraʊtə /

noun

1. any of various tools or machines for hollowing out, cutting grooves, etc

router

²

/ ˈruːtə /

noun

1. computing a device that allows packets of data to be moved efficiently between two points on a network

router

1. A device in a network that handles message transfers between computers. A router receives information and forwards it based on what the router determines to be the most efficient route at the time of transfer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of router¹

First recorded in 1840–50; rout ² + -er ¹

Origin of router²

First recorded in 1900–05; route + -er ¹

Example Sentences

It is encouraging parents to discuss online safety with their children, alongside things like putting parental controls on devices and routers.

From BBC

Song hooked an external battery to her router and modem and was able to communicate with neighbors who couldn’t check the warnings and orders due to spotty cell service and power outages.

From Los Angeles Times

The signals are received on the ground by pizza-box-size terminal dishes, which then distribute the connection like a Wi-Fi router to laptops, phones and other devices nearby.

From New York Times

This meant it was a cheap ticket but still close enough to the router for her to steal the free Wi-Fi that came with expensive fares.

From Literature

As well as basic broadband routers, that can include toys that are linked to the web, or home appliances like radiators, ovens and fridges that can be controlled remotely.

From BBC