contactor

American  

[kon-tak-ter, kuhn-tak-ter] / ˈkɒn tæk tər, kənˈtæk tər /

noun

Electricity.

1. a mechanically operated switch for continuously establishing and interrupting an electric power circuit.

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contactor British  

/ kɒnˈtæktə /

noun

1. a type of switch for repeatedly opening and closing an electric circuit. Its operation can be mechanical, electromagnetic, or pneumatic

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Etymology

Origin of contactor

First recorded in 1905–10; contact + -or ²

Example Sentences

It is Home Depot’s largest acquisition in its history and with it, it steps more aggressively into the fast growing professional builder and contactor business.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 28, 2024

"The guys are executing their right to be an independent contactor," McDowell reflected.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2022

The city’s main tunnel contactor, Italy-based Salini Impregilo, faced spring travel restrictions due to the pandemic that impacted the project’s supply chain, Wirtz said in a presentation to the City Council.

From Washington Times • Nov. 15, 2020

Ms. Schuh, who works for an electrical contactor in Appleton, Wis., said she sometimes leaves her show Puli in the crate while she’s at work, dryers on.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2017

She's the contactor, the spreader of the good old oil, the shining example of purity and sweetness and light—in short, the Greaser of the Ways.

From The Galaxy Primes by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)