router

¹ American  

[roo-ter, rou-] / ˈru tər, ˈraʊ- /

noun

1. a person or thing that routes.

2. a piece of hardware or software having a specific IP address and connected to network nodes for the transfer of data between computers.

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router ² American  

[rou-ter] / ˈraʊ tər /

noun

1. any of various tools or machines for routing, hollowing out, or furrowing.

2. Also called router plane.  Carpentry. a plane for cutting interior angles, as at the bottom of a groove.

3. a machine or tool for cutting into or below a main surface, as of a die or engraving plate.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cut with a router.

router ¹ British  

/ ˈruːtə /

noun

1. computing a device that allows packets of data to be moved efficiently between two points on a network

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router ² British  

/ ˈraʊtə /

noun

1. any of various tools or machines for hollowing out, cutting grooves, etc

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router Scientific  

/ rou′tər /

1. A device in a network that handles message transfers between computers. A router receives information and forwards it based on what the router determines to be the most efficient route at the time of transfer.

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Etymology

Origin of router¹

First recorded in 1900–05; route + -er ¹

Origin of router¹

First recorded in 1840–50; rout ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

When I am helping others, I like to set up automatic updates on iOS and Android devices first, then security cameras, thermostats and Wi-Fi routers.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2000 it was Cisco, maker of the routers needed to connect up the internet, and the telecoms companies, where the sector boosted earnings by a quarter in the final year of the bubble.

From The Wall Street Journal

You can even set it up on routers, gaming consoles and smart TVs, though that requires a bit more technical know-how.

From Salon

Like the internet after the router’s shut off, Ama’s magic disappears entirely.

From Literature

What’s Next: Cisco said all next-generation products, including smart switches, secure routers, and WiFi 7 products, are ramping faster than prior product launches.

From Barron's