comparator

American  

[kuhm-par-uh-ter, kom-puh-rey-] / kəmˈpær ə tər, ˈkɒm pəˌreɪ- /

noun

1. any of various instruments for making comparisons, as of lengths or distances, tints of colors, etc.

2. Electronics. a circuit for comparing two signals, as readings of duplicate information stored in a digital computer, and for giving an indication of agreement or disagreement between them.

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comparator British  

/ kəmˈpærətə /

noun

1. any instrument used to measure a property of a system by comparing it with a standard system

2. an electric circuit that compares two signals and gives an indication of the extent of their dissimilarity

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Etymology

Origin of comparator

First recorded in 1880–85; from Late Latin comparātor “a comparer”; see compare, -tor

Example Sentences

Comparator for Star Photographs, measures in one direction 80 mm. and under right angle 60 mm.

From Astronomical Instruments and Accessories by William Gaertner and Company

The lower part is constructed similar to our Comparator A1201.

From Astronomical Instruments and Accessories by William Gaertner and Company

The machine made under these auspices is the Rogers-Bond Universal Comparator; Mr. Bond having been engaged in conjunction with Professor Rogers in its construction.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

Comparator, for plates 4×5 in. of the same design as A1204.

From Astronomical Instruments and Accessories by William Gaertner and Company