donor

[doh-ner]

noun

1. a person who gives or donates.

   Synonyms: patron, sponsor, contributor, supporter

2. Medicine/Medical.,  a person or animal providing blood, an organ, bone marrow cells, or other biological tissue for transfusion or transplantation.

3. Law.,  a person who gives property by gift, legacy, or devise, or who confers a power of appointment.

adjective

1. of or relating to the biological tissue of a donor.

   donor organ.

donor

/ ˈdəʊnə /

noun

1. a person who makes a donation

2. med any person who voluntarily gives blood, skin, a kidney etc, for use in the treatment of another person

3. law

   1. a person who makes a gift of property

   2. a person who bestows upon another a power of appointment over property

4. the atom supplying both electrons in a coordinate bond

5. an impurity, such as antimony or arsenic, that is added to a semiconductor material in order to increase its n-type conductivity by contributing free electrons Compare acceptor

donor

1. An atom or molecule that releases one or more electrons to another atom or molecule, resulting in a chemical bond or flow of electric current.

2. Compare acceptor See also electron carrier

3. An individual from whom blood, tissue, or an organ is taken for transfusion, implantation, or transplant.

Other Word Forms

• donorship noun
• predonor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of donor¹

1400–50; late Middle English donour < Anglo-French ( Old French doneur ) < Latin dōnātor, equivalent to dōnā ( re ) ( donation ) + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of donor¹

C15: from Old French doneur, from Latin dōnātor, from dōnāre to give

Example Sentences

Lawmakers believed the restrictions limited excessive spending and were a check on corruption by preventing large donors from circumventing limits on what they can give directly to candidates.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Over the years, untold amounts of money have been poured by right-wing donors and investors into remaking the culture in MAGA’s image, in hopes that will turn American hearts toward authoritarianism and evangelical Christianity.

Read more on Salon

The decision to primary Cohen may be less about his policy positions than about concerns over the advanced age of many incumbent Democrats, as well as their perceived relationships with corporate donors and special interests.

Read more on Salon

He praised a major donor to his election campaign seated in the gallery.

Read more on BBC

Officials estimate the message - a link to register as a blood donor in emails following driving licence applications - will be seen by millions of people each year.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• backer 
• benefactor 
• contributor 
• patron