wiper

[wahy-per]

noun

1. a person or thing that wipes.

2. the thing with which something is wiped, as a towel, handkerchief, or squeegee.

3. windshield wiper.

4. Electricity.,  the portion of a selector or other similar device that makes contact with the terminals of a bank.

5. Machinery.,  Also a projection or partial cam, as on a rotating shaft, moving to lift or dislodge another part, especially so as to let it drop when released.

wiper

/ ˈwaɪpə /

noun

1. any piece of cloth, such as a handkerchief, towel, etc, used for wiping

2. a cam rotated to ease a part and allow it to fall under its own weight, as used in stamping machines, etc

3. See windscreen wiper

4. electrical engineering a movable conducting arm, esp one in a switching or selecting device, that makes contact with a row or ring of contacts

Word History and Origins

Origin of wiper¹

First recorded in 1545–50; wipe + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Take the average electric vehicle – there might be rare earths-based motors in dozens of components from side mirrors and speakers to windshield wipers and breaking sensors.

From BBC

It showed the child driving in the dark, using the wipers and indicators, and peering over the steering wheel.

From BBC

In the coming days, the drizzly gray weather along the coast is not expected to change much, said Mehle, who drove to work in Monterey on Saturday with his windshield wipers swishing.

From Los Angeles Times

It showed the child driving in the dark, using the wipers and indicators.

From BBC

At least one man threw a punch at the car, another kicked it with enough force to dislodge its rear windscreen wiper.

From BBC