limiter

American  

[lim-i-ter] / ˈlɪm ɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that limits.

2. Electronics. a device or circuit for limiting limiting the amplitude of a radio, telephone, or recording signal to some predetermined level.

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limiter British  

/ ˈlɪmɪtə /

noun

1. Also called: clipper.  an electronic circuit that produces an output signal whose positive or negative amplitude, or both, is limited to some predetermined value above which the peaks become flattened

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Etymology

Origin of limiter

1350–1400; limit + -er ¹; replacing Middle English limitour ( -or ² )

Example Sentences

“We’ve been working on our core technologies for 15 years. We predicted that there would come a point in the 2020s or 2030s where copper connectivity would become a limiter on computing productivity.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Concerns about the Warner deal “will remain a primary sentiment driver and likely share appreciation limiter over the next three months,” he wrote in a research note on Wednesday.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

So I think the fear of blowing it was a limiter to how broad the comedy could go.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2023

The early morning air was filled with tire smoke and the sounds of car engines bouncing off the rev limiter.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2022

Emotionally, it sees it as a container and limiter of possibilities, a guarantee that the upshot shall be good.

From Pragmatism by James, William