equalizer

[ee-kwuh-lahy-zer]

noun

1. a person or thing that equalizes.

2. any of various devices or appliances for equalizing strains, pressures, etc.

3. Electricity.,  an electric network of inductance, capacitance, or resistance established between two points in a given network to secure some constant relation, as even attenuation, between the two points.

4. Slang.,  a weapon, as a pistol, blackjack, or switchblade knife.

equalizer

/ ˈiːkwəˌlaɪzə /

noun

1. a person or thing that equalizes, esp a device to counterbalance opposing forces

2. an electronic network introduced into a transmission circuit to alter its response, esp to reduce distortion by equalizing its response over a specified frequency range

3. sport a goal, point, etc, that levels the score

4. slang,  a weapon, esp a gun

equalizer

1. An electronic device made of filters and amplifiers, used to alter the relative strengths of different frequencies in an electronic signal. Equalizers are used primarily in audio equipment, allowing fine-tuning of the signal to compensate for distortions such as weak response or oversensitivity at various frequencies.

2. ◆ A graphic equalizer uses a set of controls that determine the level of boost or suppression of individual frequencies. The controls are usually sliding faders, set up in a row from lowest frequency to highest frequency, so that the final settings resemble a graph of the frequency response of the equalizer.

3. ◆ A parametric equalizer consists of one or more filters whose characteristics can be controlled, such as the frequency to be manipulated, whether to boost or suppress the frequency, the amount of boost or suppression, and how much nearby frequencies are also affected.

Word History and Origins

Origin of equalizer¹

First recorded in 1785–95; equalize + -er ¹

Example Sentences

We like the equalizer, guidelines and the level playing field for protection socialism promises.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They regrouped in the second half and were able to capitalize on lax Colombian defending to grab the equalizer.

Read more on Barron's

United, however, found an equalizer when Colombian center back Jefferson Diaz nodded home a header in the 62nd minute off an assist from Morris Duggan.

Read more on Barron's

“It’s inspiring creatively because everyone is clustered together. You can’t avoid anyone. Plenty of people don’t care who you are or whether your scene study class went well. It’s the great equalizer.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Again, “Blood Brothers” was great because it was an equalizer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cannon 
• handgun 
• hardware 
• mortar 
• piece 
• pistol 
• revolver 
• rifle 
• shotgun 

When To Use

What else does equalizer mean?

An equalizer levels the playing field or otherwise evens discrepancies out. The term can variously refer to: weapons, score-tying points in sports, a device that modifies sound frequencies, and forces or phenomena that balance out social inequalities.What are some other forms of equalizer?(chiefly British) equaliser